[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Herbs add a vibrant, flavorful flair to any meal – and they do more than just garnish your plate. Packed with taste, nutrients and a pop of color, herbs can elevate both your dishes and your mood. Let us take a closer look at one standout herb: basil.
Basil Benefits: How This Flavorful Herb Supports Health
Basil basics
Basil is a timeless herb with roots tracing back thousands of years, likely originating in India. A proud member of the mint family, basil boasts over one hundred different varieties – the most common being Genovese, Lemon (Sweet Dani), Holy, Purple and Thai. Whether used fresh or dried, basil’s fragrant leaves bring a flavorful boost to sauces, fish and meat dishes, salads, drinks and pasta.
Beyond its taste, basil also offers a variety of
nutrients in varying amounts, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate and vitamin A. Thanks to its supply of
antioxidants, basil may support health in several ways – such as reducing
inflammation, aiding in blood glucose control and promoting heart health – though more research is still needed.
Even basil
seeds are stepping into the spotlight, praised for their wide range of potential health benefits, which are also being actively studied.
Fresh versus dried
Now comes the choice: fresh or dried basil? The right option depends on how you plan to use it. If you are cooking a dish that requires longer cook times or high heat – like soups, sauces or stews – dried basil is your best bet. It holds up well to heat and slowly infuses flavor as it cooks. A great example is the
dried basil from Vitacost. Pro tip: To boost the flavor of dried basil, rub it between your palms before adding to your dish. This simple trick helps release its natural oils and brings out more aroma and taste.
If you are adding basil as a finishing touch or using it in a dish that doesn’t involve much heat, fresh basil is the way to go. Its bright, fragrant flavor shines in low-heat applications or as a garnish added just before serving. To prepare, simply rinse the leaves under cool water. One favorite way to cut fresh basil is to stack the leaves, roll them up like a cigar and slice them into thin ribbons – a technique called chiffonade. It not only looks elegant but also helps release the basil’s full aroma.
Implementation
So how can we begin weaving these basil techniques into our everyday routine? The good news is it’s easier than you think. A simple first step is to keep shelf-stable basil options on hand, such as this
dried basil or a jar of this
basil pesto sauce. These pantry staples are convenient, long lasting and ready when you need them – no rushing to use them before they spoil.
Want to go a step further? Consider growing your own basil plant at home. Whether kept on a sunny windowsill or out on a patio, a small basil plant adds a fresh, aromatic touch to your space and your meals. There is something rewarding about snipping off a few vibrant leaves to toss into pasta, sprinkle over a salad or finish off a homemade pizza. Growing them in your own garden has been shown to
reduce stress and boost well-being.
Now that you are stocked and growing, let us dive into some delicious recipe ideas to spark inspiration and help you put basil to good use in everyday cooking!
How to Cook With Basil
Breakfast ideas
Lunch & dinner ideas
Snack ideas
Looking to explore even more ways to bring herbs into your kitchen and lifestyle? Herbs often offer big flavor and big
health benefits! Experimenting in the kitchen is encouraged. And if you’re wondering how to make herbs a seamless part of your daily routine, consider scheduling a personalized session with a
Kroger Health Registered Dietitian. These nutrition professionals can offer expert guidance tailored to your goals, helping you harness the full flavor and wellness potential of herbs in every meal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="187108" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1754946945212{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/simply-organic-single-origin-egyptian-basil-certified-organic"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="187106" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1754946960535{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/buddha-teas-organic-holy-basil-tea"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="187107" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1754946971498{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/frontier-co-op-organic-sweet-basil-leaf"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
