The Best Way to Grow Thai Basil
The best way to grow a Thai basil plant is to grow it in full sun. Although it doesn’t require a large amount of space, it does need to receive plenty of sunlight to thrive. You can plant the plant in a pot and water it regularly to keep it healthy. Make sure the soil is well-draining and contains a pH level between 6.5 and 7. This will help the plant flourish. A good way to improve the soil’s drainage is to add organic matter such as compost.
Thai basil requires slightly acidic soil. If your soil is not perfect, add one part compost to three parts potting mix. Water the plant daily until the leaves have two sets of true leaves. If there is only one set of leaves, cut them back. This will promote leaf growth. Then, prune the plant to shape it. When the leaves are a little smaller, they are ready to be harvested. To harvest the leaves, wait a few days after fertilizing.
To harvest the leaves, trim off the flower stems a few days before harvest. The essential oils are at their highest in the early morning. If you’re unable to harvest the leaves early, cut them off the plant’s stems. Then, wrap them in a towel or paper cloth to retain their freshness. For even more freshness, freeze the stems in ice cube trays filled with water.
Thai basil can be used fresh or dried. When dried, it can be stored in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Make sure to store the herbs in a cool, dark location. Alternatively, you can dry the basil by placing them on a drying screen for a couple of days before using them in your cooking. You can even make basil-infused oils from dried herbs. However, be sure to follow the growing guidelines so that you’ll be able to harvest a large amount.
A Thai basil plant will produce several types of leaves. The Thai variety is commonly used in Asian cooking. It is also called Anise Basil and Licorice Basil. These two basils are completely different from the western varieties of the same name. Some basils are used for religious and medicinal purposes. The most common one, however, is Thai basil, because of its sweet, nutty flavor. In addition, it has a spicy flavor and an anise scent.
The leaves of the Thai basil plant are robust and more heat-resistant than other varieties. Despite being more resistant to heat, it makes a lovely ornamental plant. Its essential oils are thought to be beneficial for the body. Regular consumption of the leaves of the Thai basil plant can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, reduce the risk of cancer, and even fight bacterial infections. Those with sensitive stomachs and intestines should consider growing Thai basil.
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