When I left it looked like this. These little things are pretty amazing.
It took me forever to find fresh basil in Brazil, mostly because I had no idea what the name was. It is called manjericão in Portuguese, by the way. Its availability isn’t consistent, but when I find it I always grab some. I love the smell. Basil is tied with rosemary for me regarding my favorite herb scent.
Of course, I am also interested in the nutritional value of basil and herbs in general. It turns out that oils in basil have anti-bacterial properties and it is packed with vitamin K (3). In addition to its role in blood clotting, more recent research has linked vitamin K to bone health indicating that it plays a role in the development of bone mineral density and in decreased risk for bone fracture(1).
In addition, more research has confirmed that if you want these bone health benefits, skip the supplements (2). The benefit is seen when consuming more vegetables and legumes, not vitamin K1 supplements. Of course this makes me very happy. I think we all know I am in favor of food not pills.
There are two main things I use my basil for – one is margarita pizza and the other is pesto. My first experience with pesto involved dried basil and garlic, which is good, but not at all the same as using the fresh herbs.
This is one of my favorite types of pesto using basil and walnuts. It is a modified version of the type we used to make in the bread store I once worked in. The ingredient amounts are very general, just tossing in this or that until you get the preferred consistency. I use it for pasta, pizza sauce, in scrambled eggs and of course spread across a warm slice of bread.
Walnut Pesto
1 bunch fresh basil, about 1 cup loosely packed leaves
2 cloves fresh garlic
2 handfuls chopped walnuts, about 1/3 cup
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
In a food processor (or in a tall mixing glass if you plan to use an immersion blender like I did) combine the basil and garlic and process about 15-30 seconds until things are roughly chopped. Add the walnuts, cheese and about a tablespoon of olive oil.
Process as you add in a little olive oil at a time. Continue until all ingredients are combined and nuts are ground. Continue to add olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine a little thick so it is spreadable, but if you want to use it as a dressing, add more. Taste and sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired. Makes about 1 to 1 ½ cups of pesto.
References and more on the health benefits of basil:
1. Pearson, Debra A., Bone Health and Osteoporosis: The Role of Vitamin K and Potential Antagonism by Anticoagulants. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2007; 22(5): 517-544.
2. Shea, M., Booth, S.L. An Update On The Role Of Vitamin K In Skeletal Health. Nutrition Reviews. 2008; 66:549-557.
3. World’s Healthiest Foods: Basil
I love pesto, I will have to try it with walnuts next time.
Great nutritional information and recipe! Pesto is so versatile, which is why I store a batch in the freezer and a smaller amount in the fridge for easy access. Pignolas can be rather expensive so I appreciate the use of walnuts here.
I’m fortunate that my herbs grow like weeds in the front garden but this is the case for approximately 3- months in MN. Then, sayonara, baby! We tried transplanting some into pots to bring indoors for the winter but only the mint made it through the season. So I’m quite interested in the AeroGarden . . . !
what an informative post shame its hard to get basil there get info on vit K
I really want to start growing my own herbs! I think Josh and I are going to give it a go next year. I love love the taste of basil and your pesto sounds incredible
Love this idea! I want an aero garden!!
Thanks Lori!
I’ve never tried basil-never knew what to do with it! Now I can try out this recipe.
Back in India we have a plant called “Tulsi” (which we learnt is called the Holy Basil in the west)-that too has anti-bacterial properties. According to the Hindu custom-it should be planted in front of the house. I remember my gran giving me the leaves to eat with some sea-salt whenever I had a cold/sore throat(somehow,seemed to work)!Another thing that is popular in India is the tulsi tea(a decoction of tulsi leaves).
My experience with fresh herbs is the same – my family had an amazing garden, but we always used store-bought herbs. Until, a few years ago when I planted some in my mom’s garden. Basil is one of my favorite to grow and eat! I like growing basil because I find many herbs I don’t use as fast they produce and they get a little out of control. With basil there never seems to be enough. I tear it up for salads, add to pasta sauces, and of course make pesto. I almost always use walnuts for pesto – started with a friend who was allergic to pine nuts and then I realized I like the flavor or walnut better. The aerogarden intrigues…
Maria – I’ve only made it with walnuts, but had it with pinenuts elsewhere. I do enjoy the walnuts better.
TN – Great idea for freezing it. I hadn’t thought of that. I had some herbs in the apartment and after one trip away for a few weeks, they were of course gonners. I’m not so good at growing them in pots.
Chow and Chatter – Thanks. Right now I’ve been finding it so that is very good. I need to stock up.
Erica – You’ll love growing them. Outside they are low maintenance and it is so nice to have so much flavor at hand.
Amy – They are nice. This was my brother’s first experiement with the herbs.
Johnna – You’re welcome! Funny I just got on my page to respond to comments and you showed up on my Foodbuzz ad!!
Sweta – I love it when you share little pieces of India. Very cool to learn about that herb.
gastroanthro – I know what you mean. My basil was always the bare plant, but I could never figure out what to do with all the others quickly enough. I like pesto with walnuts better myself. I don’t dislike pinenuts, but they aren’t my favorite.
The pesto looks great! It never occurred to me that basil had such nutritional qualities. Another reason to eat it.
I love me some pesto! I’ve never made it with walnuts before – only pine nuts. I’ll have to try your recipe once we have enough basil for some pesto!
I’m a big pesto lover especially with fresh herbs right from the garden – perfect!
What a great post about herbs! I’ve always wanted to try and grow my own but I’m horrible with plants. I tried growing tomato plants and that was a disaster.
Looks delicious! I love walnut pesto–it makes it so nice and creamy. Great post!
I love a good walnut pesto! Yours looks so yummie!
I also make rocket pesto , red pesto & the normal green pesto!
hey.. i have sweet basil in my garden and use it in my pasta sauces fresh….and i love this pesto and sometimes replace walnuts with peanuts….
i have the holy basil too in my garden as Sweta said , it is considered a must have in an Indian household.
BTW the sweet basil is called ‘karpoor tulsi’ here while the holy basil has two varieties ‘rama tulsi'( the green one) and the ‘shyama tulsi’ (the purple one)…these have immense medicinal value..
aero gardening is new to me …enlighten me please…
I love the fact you are using walnuts in it instead of pine nuts, pine nuts are just so pricy!
Hey the AeroGarden will grow even better if you trim the basil and keep the lights as low as they will go. the plants need all the lights they can get, and trimming (harvesting) some of the taller plants makes them grow bushier and better.
I love pesto in any form, and usually mix up my pinenuts with walnuts. I look forward to trying your version
Those herbs look beautiful! They’re just thriving.
Alison – Same here. I’ve really been interesting about learning the benefits of herbs lately.
cathy – Definitely try the walnuts. It is a different flavor all together.
Reeni – Fresh herbs are so great when you can grow them yourself!
Robin – I’ve failed in the tomato department myself. Ha, ha! I think it takes a little practice.
Deb – You are right, it definitely adds a creamy texture that is different.
Sophie – Thanks! I need to experiment more with different varieties.
sangeeta – I don’t know a whole lot about the aerogarden, but it allows you to grow food plants and herbs in the house. It is a special watering system and a lighting system that produces excellent conditions for growth.
kat – I didn’t even think about that. A budget friendly choice as well as being delicious. 🙂
Hi john – Thanks for the tips. I’ll have to pass them on.
OysterCulture – I want to start experimenting with different varieties. I hear arugula is good as a substitute for basil.
Sagan – They really are a pretty sight.