Basil 2026

Deer do eat basil, and unfortunately, they’ll do it with great enthusiasm if given the chance.   These garden visitors aren’t picky, and your prized basil plants can look like a salad bar to them.   If you’ve been noticing nibbled leaves or completely stripped stems, deer are likely the culprits behind the damage.   … Read more

Blanching basil does keep pesto green, and it’s one of the most reliable tricks for locking in that vibrant, fresh-from-the-garden color. When you blanch basil, you’re essentially shocking the leaves with a quick boil-and-ice-bath routine that stops the enzymes responsible for browning and dulling. If you’ve ever made a big batch of pesto only to … Read more

Basil does ward off bugs, and it’s one of the most effective natural pest deterrents you can grow right in your backyard or keep on your kitchen windowsill.   If you’ve been asking whether basil wards off bugs, the short answer is yes, and the science behind it is both simple and fascinating.   Basil … Read more

Basil can turn brown when dried, but it doesn’t have to if you use the right methods.   Many home cooks notice that basil turns brown when dried too quickly or at too high a temperature, which ruins its beautiful green color.   If you’ve ever asked yourself, “does basil turn brown when dried in … Read more

Basil does turn black when frozen if you don’t prepare it the right way, but this darkening is entirely preventable with the right technique.   The question of whether basil turns black when frozen is one of the most common kitchen dilemmas for home cooks who want to preserve their fresh harvest.   Yes, basil … Read more