Kitchen

[bargainsgirl]

I grow my own basil on my deck.  Is it necessary to wash it before I make pesto?  The leaves never dry well and get droopy when wet.  Just wondering if I can skip the wash.

[Kardi]

I always wash mine.  There are bugs that like basil!  I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color.   Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.  

[QVCkitty1]

I don't, I guess I never thought it was necessary.

[fthunt]

Could you clean and not get the leaves wet - wet?  Take a damp paper towel and wipe both sides.  I grew a hardy crop inside in the lighted grow kit and washed before eating - just to get dust and air dirt off = bugs not really an issue.

[x Hedge]

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@bargainsgirl wrote:

I grow my own basil on my deck.  Is it necessary to wash it before I make pesto?  The leaves never dry well and get droopy when wet.  Just wondering if I can skip the wash.

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Don't pick individual leaves @bargainsgirl .

Cut a few stems. Rinse them under running water, and put the stems in a clean drinking cup filled with water, just as you'd put flowers in a vase.

They'll  'perk up'  and be ready to use as you need them.

[wagirl]

I wash mine in a salad spinner then spread it out on the counter on a dish towel and let it finish drying for a few hours. I have birds and squirrels running on my deck where my plants are--who knows what those critters do -----yuck!!!

[sunshine45]

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@Kardi wrote:

I always wash mine.  There are bugs that like basil!  I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color.   Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.  

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i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

[Kardi]

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@sunshine45 wrote:

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@Kardi wrote:

I always wash mine.  There are bugs that like basil!  I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color.   Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.  

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i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

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Great tip!  I’ll try it.  Thanks.  Has anyone ever tried adding this to guacamole?

[Boehm Collector]

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@sunshine45 wrote:

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@Kardi wrote:

I always wash mine.  There are bugs that like basil!  I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color.   Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.  

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i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

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@sunshine45 .. How much of the Fruit-Frest do you add to your pesto?  And do you freeze your pesto after adding the Fruit-Fresh?    TIA

[sunshine45]

@Kardi

yes, it is great for guacamole also, along with the lock and lock and some fresh lime juice.