Basil. Useful properties and contraindications. Cooking Recipes, preparations for the winter: compote, soup, salad, pesto

The combination of essential oils gives the basilica a scent that resembles nutmeg and cloves. The green part of the plant is widely used in cooking. Useful properties of plants are beneficial to the body, but some contraindications limit the use of certain categories of people.

types of basil

There are more than 60 kinds of basil. Each of them has a difference in length, size, shape sheet metal plates and color shades.

The most common:

1. Average (bayberry). Very branched plant that has a lot of leaves and reaches a height of 65 cm. The leaves and stems have a soft aroma of pepper.
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2. Violet. At a height of 45 cm, an annual plant with bright purple color of the aerial part. It has more intense flavor, in comparison with the green species. Lusciously scented leaves and have a pleasant taste.
3. Green. This type has a light green leaves. The average height of the bushes 35-40 cm. The smell is not strong, the intensity varies depending on the variety.
   
4. Brown. The plant has bright green leaves with flowers of lilac color. At the height of the shrubs grow up to 60 cm. It has a pleasant tinge of cinnamon and mint. By drinking remains a burning taste.
5. Citric. Bushes are low, up to 35 cm. Leaves have a delicate shade of green and pleasant lemon odor, mixed with camphor astringency.
6. The black. The plants of this variety are distinguished unusual color. Have a characteristic dark color: saturated purple becomes brown with gloss, sometimes in an almost black. This variety has low bushes to 30 cm and a high - up to 65 cm. It has a bright peppery flavor that is well preserved by drying, slightly burning taste.
7. Red. The plant has a branched structure, a height of 35 cm. Hue ranges from purple-red to burgundy. The aroma also has different notes from a strong camphor with cloves until tender vanilla.
8. Clove. The leaves are small, close to the smell of clove.
9. Clove-pepper. It has a mixed aroma of cloves and pepper.
10. Caramel. Characterized by the aroma of caramel, it is widely used for desserts. And used the leaves and flowers.
11. Menthol. Basil has a characteristic smell, mixed with mint.

Structure

Basil - useful properties and contraindications of the plant are determined substances in its composition. It has a seductive aroma thanks to ethers, which are mainly concentrated in the stems and leaves. The ratio of them varies from 0.3% to 1.8%.

It has a complex structure:

• camphor;
• eugenol;
• cineole;
• estragole;
• metilhavinol;
• ocimene;
• vitamin C;
• linalool;
• carotene;
• micro and macro;
• tannins;
• vitamins C, B, PP, A, K;
• rutin;
• volatile.

Beneficial features

Basil (useful properties and contraindications determined by the composition of its species) - not just a spice, but also herbs.

Benefits is as follows:

1. Vitamin A actively involved in oxidative processes, protein synthesis, normalizes metabolism, has a positive effect on vision, it has a regenerating function, slows down aging.

2. "B" group:

• AT₁ (Thiamine) involved in the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrate nature, it protects the body from the effects of toxins, improves brain function, memory, slows down aging, stimulates bone growth cloth;
• AT₂ (riboflavin) necessary for the formation of red blood cells, a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin, helps to improve immunity, normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, has a positive effect on eyesight, relieves fatigue, recognized prevention cataracts;
• AT₃ (Niacin) It takes part in energy production, metabolism of amino acids, hormone production, reduces cholesterol, improves digestion, has beneficial effects on vision;
• AT₄ (Choline) normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, liver provides protection against exposure to toxins, prevents occurrence of gallstones, lower cholesterol, cleanses the blood, strengthens the heart muscle, is involved in carbohydrate exchange;
• AT₅ (Pantetonovaya acid) It stimulates the production of adrenal hormones, which found to be effective in the fight against arthritis, heart disease, strengthens the immune system, is responsible for the normal functioning of the brain, slows down aging;
• AT₆ (Pyridoxine) prevent disorders in the nervous system synthesizes acid (Nucleic), anti-aging, provides digestion of proteins and fats;
• AT₉ (Folic acid) responsible for cell regeneration, improves the immune system, regulates the heart, has a positive effect on the circulatory system, smoothes the appearance of nerve excitation.

3. Vitamin C It improves immune function, vascular permeability, regulates hematopoietic processes, involved in the synthesis of collagen, eliminate toxins.

4. Potassium regulates water balance in combination with sodium, it normalizes the functioning of the heart, promotes the production of enzymes for proper functioning of muscles, prevents fatigue.

5. Calcium possesses anti-stress effect, it contributes to the removal of heavy metals, performs antioxidant functions, needed for bone, skin, hair and nails.

6. Magnesium participates in more than 290 reaction essential for the body. It has an impact on the heart, nervous system, reproductive function, is involved in the formation of bones and teeth.

7. Sodium It strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous system, stimulates the digestive functions, improves the function of the excretory system, leads to normal pressure, improves the acid-alkaline level.

8. Phosphorus needed to work the kidney, heart, produces regeneration, activates the influence and assimilation of vitamins, strengthens tooth enamel and bone.

9.Zhelezo involved in hematopoiesis, intracellular metabolism, transports oxygen, improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, is the prevention of anemia, improves the quality of hair, nails and skin.

10. Manganese promotes the production of thyroid hormones, improves the nervous system, prevent fat deposits in the liver, it is important for the production of hemoglobin and erythrocytes.

11. Copper effect on bone tissue, and improves vascular wall in, displays radicals, improves immunity, nourishing the cells with oxygen.

12. Selenium recognized as an antioxidant, it strengthens the protective function, normalizes the nervous system, improves the quality of hair, skin and nails.

3. Zinc has an active effect on the immune system is important for the reproductive system (improves production hormones, is the prevention of adenoma), normalize lipid metabolism, has antioxidant properties.

Contraindications

Basil (useful properties and contraindications of this plant is almost completely studied by nutritionists) has a short list of restrictions.

They are:

1. Excessive use is detrimental, because it has a mercury (compounds) can cause poisoning in humans who do not have health problems.
2. Children under 7 years of age, during pregnancy.
3. With heart problems, especially after a heart attack.
4. Venous thrombosis of lower extremities.
5. Reduced blood clotting.

Rules storage basil

Plant material meets twice a season. It contains a large amount of water.

To preserve the freshness you need:

1. Put the plant in the cup of appropriate dimensions, pour water into the transfer location without direct sunlight.
2. Place the materials in a plastic bag and put in the cold. But the branches do not wash. Washed greens kept smaller.

With the right technology of drying plant does not lose the taste, smell and color.

Stored in containers of glass or porcelain for about 4 years, with a sealed lid to keep out moisture.

application

Basil (useful properties and contraindications have been mentioned above), which is widely known for the quality, applied not only in cooking, but in the field of medicine and life.

The culinary uses:

• fresh or dry added to the first dishes, sauces, when putting meat, ragout vegetables, salad, pickles, omelets, pickles;
• as a dry seasoning comes in a set of spices: curry, Provencal herbs Italian spices, hops-suneli;
• used in food production in smoking, the manufacture of sausages, to add flavor to alcoholic beverages, they are flavored vinegar.

For medical purposes:

• sesame oil and basil is used for skin diseases and burns;
• infusion black sesame with basil leaves removes high body temperature, is used for preventing the common cold;
• to mitigate corns used in the form of slurry;
• pain in the head rubbed the plant must be applied to the temples and back of the head;
• basil brewed reduces the pressure;
• to remove perspiration and foot odor, use trays of plants brewed;
• inhalation of crushed basil improves the condition when nasal congestion.

At home:

• repels insects;
• for fragrance in the house: a few drops of oil added to the water when cleaning;
• rub the skin to repel mosquitoes.

Should I add the basil salad

The most famous salad of herbs - "Kepreze" combines ripe tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves. In addition, this plant leaves decorate various green and vegetable salads. It goes well with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, peppers Bulgarian, spinach, parsley.

When using basil is necessary to select other spices carefully, because it is self-sufficient. Completely fills the dish required aroma and taste.

Dried basil is widely used in these salads, as well as potato, pasta and bean dishes. Appetizing aroma gives basil oil dressing.

Meat and basil

Meat and sugary fragrant leaves of this plant - the perfect combination of flavor. It emphasizes the benefit taste of the meat product and provides a meal rich aroma. Used in cooking, stewing, roasting, marinating.

Dessert

Only mint and vanilla to compete with basil on the frequency of use in desserts. Eating in this area is very diverse, because it harmonizes with the berries, fruits, dairy products.

Zapashistoy greens seasoned with sorbets, soft drinks, carpaccio of strawberries, decorate dishes of fruit. Pleasantly combined with lemon peel, ginger, lime, vanilla. He fully replaces the production of mint mojitos and other drinks.

Harvesting of basil in the winter: frost fresh leaves

When freezing preserved the valuable qualities of the leaves and stems. Use a dry, wet and freezing in the oil state.

dry:

1. Freeze whole. They are used in the form of ornaments. Well-washed branches spread out on spacing and place in the freezer. After freezing herbs neatly placed in polyethylene bags, taking care not to break branches. The package must be impervious to the fragrance did not get lost.
2. Washed greens you need to thoroughly dry. Spread out on the packets, to release the air. It is convenient to use the packages on the spikes. Stored for about a year.

wet:

1. Well-washed greens ground with a knife or blender.
   
2. Then, it should be arranged in the form of ice, and add water.
3. After freezing cubes were removed and placed in a bag. Subsequently used for soups, sauces, quenching.

Freeze in a blanched

That after blanching spice preserved color and flavor is necessary to prepare cold water, in which the lower branches after heat treatment.

Instructions:

1. Rinse the leaves and allow to drain water.
2. Prepare the water, which add ice cubes.
3. Lower the branches in the boiling liquid for a few seconds and immediately in ice water.
4. After cooling, dry wipes of paper.
5. Put in packets in the freezer.

puree

Basil puree is allowed to freeze in the state. Preserve all its beneficial properties, but when used it is worth remembering and contraindications.

Step by step cooking process:

1. Washed and obsushennye leaves put in a blender.
2. Pour olive oil and a little water.
3. Grind to homogeneity.
4. Arrange in the form of ice.
   
5. After freezing to pack a plastic bag, sealed.

Frost with olive oil

Another convenient way to store frozen:

1. Washed and dried herbs chop with a knife or blender, but not to the consistency of gruel.
2. Mix with butter.
3. Expanded in a small package at Spike or pour into molds for ice. After freezing folded in a plastic bag.
4. Stored for about a year.

Pesto. The recipe for the winter

you must:

• garlic - clove;
• basil - 120 g;
• pine nuts (can be replaced by others) - 90 g;
• juice of half a lemon;
• olive oil - 170 ml.

Food scheme:

1. Wash and dry the basil.
2. Nuts and herbs to put in a blender. Add the garlic, oil, lemon juice. Season with salt.
3. Then whip until uniform, add oil when necessary.
   
4. Expanded in a sterilized container, pour the oil from above. Close tightly. Stored in the cold.

Tabasco

Perfect for meat.

you must:

• basil - 450 g;
• hot pepper - 200 g;
• Garlic - 450 g;
• Khmeli Suneli - 15 g;
• parsley - 370g;
• salt - 90 g;
• celery (green part) - 100 g

Food scheme:

1. Wash and dry the herbs.
2. All components of the chop in a blender.
3. Stir salt, spice spice.
4. Put in sterilized containers and roll.

nut dressing

Hearty salad dressing with a hint of spice. It can be used as a sauce.

you must:

• basil - 350 g;
• nuts - 350 g;
• Garlic - a couple of cloves;
• vegetable oil - 170 ml;
• salt.

Food scheme:

1. Nuts are cleaned and ground to a powder.
2. Washed and dried leaves milled until uniform.
3. The ingredients combine in a blender, add the garlic, salt and oil.
4. Thoroughly whisk. Transfer to a sterilized container.
5. Sterilize a few minutes and roll covers.

Jam basil

Interesting and pleasant-tasting treat.

you must:

• Lemon - 1 kg;
• basil (preferably caramel, vanilla, lemon) - 500 g;
• water - 500 ml;
• sugar - 1 kg;
• Pectin - a package.

Food scheme:

1. Boil the sugar syrup.
2. One lemon slice as fine bubbles and boiled for 5 min.
3. Basil leaves boil for half an hour.
4. Of lemons squeeze out the juice and add to the pot.
   
5. Add pectin and cook according to package directions.
6. Ready jam strain and pour into a sterile container. Roll covers.

basil sauce

Beautiful and useful replacement of the traditional ketchup. Stored in freezer.

you must:

• peppers - 320 g;
• onion feathers - 170 g;
• vegetable oil - 120 ml;
• basil - 430 g;
• juice of 1/2 lemon;
• salt.

Action plan:

1. All components of the wash and dry thoroughly.
2. Onions, peppers, basil leaves put in a blender, add salt, add half of the butter.
3. Beat until smooth.
   
4. Arrange in a container, pour the remaining oil. Roll cover.

The blank in oil

For workpiece in oil necessary:

1. And washed obsushennuyu foliage decomposed into jars 0.5 liters.
2. Add 5-7 g of salt.
3. Stir and pour oil.
4. Store in a cold may be about six months.

Greens used for salads, first and second dishes, salad oil can be refilled.

cooking vinegar

To prepare you need:

1. Wash the leaves, dry them and put in a container.
2. Pour wine vinegar.
3. Composition periodically shake. Vinegar prepared 2 weeks.

marinating basil

Thus prepared basil can be immediately added to salads and other dishes:

1. Rinse and dry the leaves.
2. Sterilized container.
3. Water (1 L) boil, salt (15 g), add citric acid (5.4 g).
4. The capacity to put a pea pepper and laurel leaf.
5. Blanch basil sprigs and put in a container.
   
6. The marinade is poured into a container, sealed.

Basil oil from fresh greens

Harvested product thus recommended for 3 months. It was during this period, the oil keeps the smell and benefits.

Instructions:

1. Sterilize the container with a lid.
2. Prepare an oil (500 ml) and basil (100 g).
3. Sprigs Wash, rinse with boiling liquid, break arms.
4. Put raw material in a container, add 7.5 grams of salt and potoloch.
5. Pour in oil and close.
6. Store in cold 2 weeks, periodically shake.

Basil leaves in salt

When used in this form of basil (when added to the dishes) must take into account that it is salty.

Instructions:

1. Rinse the leaves.
2. Dry thoroughly, otherwise the product will be a lot of fluids and salt will create a traffic jam.
3. Sterilized containers.
4. The bottom of the container to fill salt.
5. Leaves need to add whole or chopped.
6. Layer pour salt.
7. As time passed, the leaves will allocate the juice, the mass settles.
8. The vacant place to lay the leaves again.
9. When the container is filled, the top fill salt (thick) and close. Harvesting should be stored in the cold.

In dried form

Basil is recommended to dry in the oven, Electric driers or in a natural way:

1. Washed leaves to place on a baking sheet. Drying at 40^about until completely dry.
2. Washed branches spread on the spacing or hung in a well-ventilated area without sunlight.
   
3. Store in airtight containers need glass.

For storage it is important to thoroughly dry out twigs, or zapreyut.

Compote

To prepare you need:

1. Lemon, green basil (dark varieties), cut and place in pan.
2. Boil for a quarter of an hour. The longer boils lemon basil mass, the richer will be the color.
3. After cooling strain.
4. If desired, add sugar or honey.

Use basil can be in a variety of dishes, from first to desserts. Useful properties of this plant make it possible to use it in alternative medicine. But in the use should pay attention to contraindications, because excessive use can cause harm.

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

Video of the Basilica

Useful properties of basil: