Jack Miller

You do have to wash fresh basil, and it’s one of the most important steps before using it in your cooking.   Fresh basil straight from the garden or the store can carry dirt, tiny insects, and even residues that you don’t want in your pesto or salad.   If you’re wondering whether you have … Read more

Do you have to wash basil leaves? The short answer is yes, you absolutely do have to wash basil leaves before using them in your cooking. It might feel like a tedious extra step, especially when you’re in a hurry and just want to tear those fragrant leaves right off the stem. But washing basil … Read more

Yes, you have to wash basil from your garden before using it in your kitchen.   Even if your basil looks clean, fresh from the garden, it can carry dirt, tiny insects, and invisible bacteria that you definitely don’t want in your pesto or salad.   Washing basil from your garden is a simple step, … Read more

You have to wash basil before using it, no matter where it came from. Whether you picked it fresh from your garden, grabbed a bunch at the farmers’ market, or bought a plastic clamshell at the grocery store, washing basil is a non-negotiable step.   The leaves are delicate, but they can carry dirt, tiny … Read more

So, do you have to soak basil seeds before planting?   No, you don’t have to soak basil seeds before planting, but doing so can help speed up germination and boost your success rate.   Basil seeds are tiny and have a hard outer coat that can sometimes slow down water absorption.   Soaking basil … Read more