Tremblay describes basil as spicy, sweet and clove-like. It is a staple in Italian tomato dishes and mixes well with eggs, soups, sauces and dips. Basil is said to aid digestion, lower blood sugar levels and have a calming effect on people, so try using it in a home-cooked comfort meal for someone going through trying times. Basil should be brought indoors on chilly nights because it is more vulnerable to frost than other herbs. Tremblay advises growers to be careful when picking basil. "There will be a little joint, a little baby basil growing in the armpit of the stem," she says. Leave this part because it stimulates the plant to make more leaves, providing you with an abundant supply for the next time you're craving gazpacho or pasta.
Recipe to try: Roasted Vegetable Soup with Basil Cream
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