Basil & Parsley

Herbs are a gift of nature. Thanks to them, meals are tastier and more fragrant, and their medicinal properties are not ignored either. Herbs contain an abundance of minerals, vitamins, fragrant oils, and other ingredients important to health.

That is why it is good to always have some on hand, either fresh or dry. Firstly, we will talk about fresh herbs that anyone can grow on their windowsill in any season, or on their balcony or garden, weather permitting.

The best time to use fresh herbs is when they bloom, since it is when they are lushest. This is also the best time to dry them out, freeze them, salt them, or put them in the oil of your choosing. Of course, if you grow them yourself, you can use them on a daily basis as soon as the plant has grown sufficiently.

The plant that is said to be the cure for all ailments is BASIL.

Basil (Latin: Ocimum Basilicum) has refreshingly fragrant leaves that are used fresh, or dried and crushed. As a seasoning, basil is used to flavour foods, helps with insomnia, helps with the digestion of heavy meals, and preserves food.

It is recommended as a seasoning for potatoes, cauliflower, and eggplant. In Mediterranean cuisine, it is an essential part of sauces for pasta and meat. Dried basil has a stronger taste than fresh basil, so it should be added to stewed and other vegetable dishes, such as peas and beans, and also in salads and spreads.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Considering that it is effective against fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and it has antioxidant properties, basil:

• is an anti-inflammatory
• reduces respiratory problems, calms the nervous system, helps with insomnia, and relieves headaches
• is beneficial to the kidneys and bladder
• relieves gastrointestinal issues and bloating
• aids with appetite
• relieves insect bites/stings

BASIL TEA

Basil tea is very simple to prepare.

Pour boiling water over dried basil leaves, cover the receptacle, and let sit for 10 minutes. It is best to drink this tea unsweetened.

PESTO SAUCE

• 30-40 fresh basil leaves, broken up
• 40g pine nuts (can be substituted for walnuts or cashews)
• 40g grated Parmesan
• 40g grated pecorino
• 3 garlic cloves
• 100ml olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

In an electric mixer or blender, blend the basil leaves, garlic, nuts of your choice, chesses, and 50ml of olive oil until it becomes a paste. Add the rest of the oil, salt and pepper, and mix.

In a large serving plate, add some warm butter, 2-3 tablespoons of pesto, cooked pasta, and some of the pasta water as needed.

You will have a wonderful lunch, especially if you include a salad with the following dressing.

SALAD DRESSING

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• A squeeze of lemon
• A pinch of chili powder, oregano, chopped garlic, and chopped basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Reminder: You can make this dressing in large quantities, since it can keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

PARSLEY

Parsley (Latin: Petroselinum Hortense) is a common herb with a mild, pleasant aroma. As a seasoning, its leaves can be used fresh or dried, and fresh leaves can be frozen. However, they are best used fresh.

Besides contributing to the taste of many dishes, parsley contains many important properties. Fresh leaves are a significant source of vitamin C, as well as A and B (particularly B12 and folic acid). It contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in smaller quantities.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

• acts as a natural diuretic and stimulates kidneys
• contributes to heart and blood vessel health, and helps improve blood test results
• helps nervous system, since it relieves tension
• aids digestions
• useful in treating rheumatism and cellulite
• relieves menstrual pains and prostate ailments
• relieves insect bites/stings
• improves hair growth and root health
• chewing fresh leaves freshens breath

Parsley is indispensible in the kitchen. It is used in soups and stews, stewed vegetables, salads, and various other dishes, but also as decorative element because of its lovely green colour. In Mediterranean cuisine, a mixture of parsley, garlic, and olive oil is a must-serve with fish and seafood dishes.

PARSLEY SPREAD

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Eating this before breakfast is an excellent remedy for anemia, as well as ridding the body of toxins.