lemon basil

[rainbowgardener]

Oh man. Recently set up my Aerogarden for the winter. This year it has tarragon, lemon basil and marjoram in it.

The lemon basil, which I have never grown before, just now has true leaves on it. So I rubbed it a bit to get the scent and was just blown away. It is wonderful, very lemony and very basil-y and just so nice.

I think I will have to add this to the list of things I grow every year! But of course I will still have to grow the regular basil and the purple basil.

I wonder how lemon basil pesto would be?

[PunkRotten]

Someone is sending me seeds. I am having a hard time deciding what basil to grow next year. I got about 8 to choose from and limited space. May have to pop out some pots.

[digitS']

I don't know about lemon basil pesto - suppose it should be good.

We have baked salmon here as often as I'm successful lobbying for it. That's a good place for lemon basil. Yes, and quite a few other herbs go well with all kinds of baked fish, as well. Happy combinations . . .



Steve

[Marlingardener]

A few small leaves of lemon basil in a fruit or greens salad really is delicious! I've never cooked with lemon basil, just used it raw. I've even stuck a few sprigs in a bouquet that otherwise wouldn't have much scent.

[nedwina]

Last season I grew lemon basil & used it in pesto. A one part lemon to three parts sweet works well. It's pretty strong stuff. Lime is nice, but even stronger & more suited to salsa & pork marinades.

[rainbowgardener]

Someone is sending me seeds. I am having a hard time deciding what basil to grow next year. I got about 8 to choose from and limited space. May have to pop out some pots.

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... hp?t=40332

[Susan W]

Lemon basil is great! I have a couple of plants every year, and more this year for the farmers market. It grows slower and leaves are smaller than regular green basil, so it is hard to get enough for cooking. It also tends to flower/go to seed rapidly, which means pinching ends near daily. I usually use as a fresh addition to salad, especially fresh sliced tomatoes and cukes.

I picked up a packet of Lemon Basil, Mrs Burns to try for spring. It was at the garden center (Burpee Heirlooms). According to Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, this variety has larger leaves, stronger flavor, preferred lemon basil for chefs. For Lemon Basil, their suggested uses are Fish dishes, herb vinegars and teas.

FWIW, I pick today for tomorrow's market. I will get what I can off the few lemon basils left, then those pots go to basil heaven. That being, tump the pot onto pile of tumped pots, and figure what to do with it all later! I figure this to be breaking up the dirt and mess of roots, and add that to the in ground beds come spring.

Enjoy your winter herbs!

[Susan W]

Just thought I would add that I tumped the several lemon basil pots, 10 -12". The root system is much smaller than regular basil, which means you can grow it closer, more concentrated in pots.

[PunkRotten]

Thanks that is good to know. I have a 2 gallon pot I will probably grow lemon basil in.