Don’t Discard the Flowers on Your Basil: Here are 8 Ways How to Use Them

 

How to Brew:

Use 1–2 teaspoons of fresh or dried basil flowers per cup.
Pour boiling water over the blossoms and steep for 5–10 minutes.
Strain and sweeten with honey, or add lemon for brightness.

Benefits:

Calms the nervous system and eases stress.
May aid digestion and reduce bloating.
A warm remedy for sore throats and mild headaches.
Tulsi (Holy Basil), a cousin of common basil, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. While Ocimum basilicum is milder, it offers similar wellness perks when brewed.

3. Infuse Oils and Vinegars with Basil Blooms

Want to give your pantry a gourmet twist? Basil flower-infused oils and vinegars add a subtle complexity to dishes, perfect for drizzling, dipping, or dressing.

How to Make:

Fill a clean, dry jar with fresh basil flowers.
For oils: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
For vinegars: Choose white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Seal and let steep in a cool dark place for 1–2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain and store.

Uses:

Drizzle over roasted vegetables, pasta, or bruschetta.
Use in salad dressings or marinades.
Makes a unique homemade gift for food lovers.

4. Garnish Beverages with a Touch of Basil Elegance

Looking to impress your guests or just upgrade your everyday drink? Basil flowers add elegance and fragrance to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

How to Use:

Float them on cocktails like mojitos, Negronis, or gin & tonics.
Drop a few flowers into sparkling water, lemonade, or iced herbal teas.
Freeze flowers into ice cubes for a decorative and aromatic twist.

Why It Works:

They don’t just look pretty – they offer a whisper of herbaceous flavor and turn an ordinary drink into a botanical experience.

5. Blend Basil Flower Butter

Flavored butters (a.k.a. compound butters) are simple to make and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Basil flowers bring a subtle herbal note and gorgeous specks of color.

How to Prepare:

Mix chopped basil flowers into softened unsalted butter.
Add a pinch of salt and optional zest of lemon or garlic.
Roll into a log in parchment paper and chill.

How to Use:

Melt over grilled meats, steamed veggies, or baked potatoes.
Spread on fresh bread or corn on the cob.
Use to flavor rice or pasta dishes.
This floral butter adds depth without overwhelming other ingredients.

6. Craft Basil Flower Pesto

If your basil plants have already started blooming and you’re short on leaves, use the flowers instead (or mix them in with the leaves) to make a unique pesto.

Ingredients:

Basil flowers (and/or leaves)
Garlic
Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Olive oil
Nuts (pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts)
Salt and pepper

How to Make:

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