You want to harvest basil seeds and wonder how best to do it? Then you've come to the right place. Today I'll tell you what really matters when harvesting basil and what mistakes you should avoid.
Fresh basil enhances any food - from pizza, pasta to salads. You can't have enough of the Mediterranean herb in your garden or on your balcony.
But you don't have to buy the plants. You can easily grow them every year from seeds that you have obtained yourself or Propagate basil via cuttings.
Likewise, the seeds of the herb taste delicious in muesli, on salad, in smoothies and in mineral water.
Today I want to show you how to harvest basil seeds and stock up.
Good to know: In order to obtain basil seeds, the plant must flower. However, in doing so, it loses its good taste. Therefore, you should only let a part of the plants bloom.
Table of contents
Why should I harvest basil seeds?
Those who, like me, have a penchant for fancy plants, should try to propagate them to be able to grow them in the years to come. Among my favorites are special basil seeds, in addition to fancy potatoes and rare tomato varieties.
For example, purple basil, which has a very aromatic flavor, or a special type of basil that develops leaves as large as a hand. But of course, classic basil also has its raison d'être.
From the seeds next year you can easily Pre-grow your own basil on the windowsill.
The small black seeds are also very healthy and tasty. You can make a delicious Prepare basil seed drink or sprinkle them into muesli. They are slightly nutty in taste and remind a bit of poppy seeds.
In them there is a lot of omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin E, B6 and K. Also zinc and iron. This effect is said to them:
- Basil seeds promote concentration thanks to omega 3
- They have a positive effect on skin and hair
- They strengthen the immune system
- Basil seeds help to lose weight - this is due to the high content of alpha-ionic acid, which stimulates the metabolism and supports weight loss
- They can relieve abdominal pain, stimulate digestion and reduce flatulence and constipation.
- They are anti-inflammatory
- The seeds have a positive effect on the skin, hair and immune system.
So: Either store and continue growing or simply eat it. For both cases, you first need to harvest basil seeds - and that's what we're going to take a closer look at now.
When should you harvest basil seeds?
From July basil begins to form flowers. Wait until the flower panicles have faded and dried up. Depending on the weather and location, new flowers and seeds will form regularly from the end of July until autumn.
When the flower has faded, you should wait until the seeds can form. This time is when the stems turn brown and dry out completely. This way you can be sure that the seeds have had enough time to mature.
Consider whether you really let all the plants bloom or only a part. Once flowers form, the leaves lose flavor and become slightly bitter.
If you want to stop this in some plants, simply pinch off the tips of shoots that develop buds. In the same place will form new leaf axes, which will provide more buds or leaves.
Also interesting: Harvest nettle seeds properly!
How can I harvest basil seeds?
Be patient and do not harvest the seeds too early. After flowering, the plants need time to let the seeds mature. This is the only way they can transport all the important nutrients into the seeds and ensure that they are ready to germinate next year.
For harvesting you need scissors and a bowl and a sunny place by the window.
Here's how you do it:
- Make sure the stems are brown and dry.
- Cut them off with scissors, hold a bowl under the plant for this purpose, the seeds come off very quickly.
- Strip the seed pods into the bowl.
- Place them in a sunny window for a day.
- Rub the seed pods between your palms to loosen them.
- Now leave them in the window for another day or two so they are guaranteed dry.
If you want the seed to be very pure, you sieve the seeds. I usually do without it, because it really takes a lot of time. If I want to harvest the basil seeds to eat them, then I can not avoid this step.
How to store the seeds properly
Once you have completed the process, you need to find the appropriate place to keep the seeds germinable. For this, they must not be stored too humid and not in full sun.
Tip: After harvesting, put the basil seeds in a screw-top jar and label it with name and date.
Make sure that the seeds are stored in a dry and dark place, then most of them will still be germinable in 3 years.
How long does basil seed last?
If stored in a dark place in a screw jar, basil seeds can maintain their germination for 10 years. But it is important that they are well stored and then properly sown.
You can find instructions here: "How to grow basil from seed".
If you have soaked the seeds in water to eat them, then you should consume them within 12 hours.
What to do with basil seeds?
You can use basil seeds in yogurt, smoothies, puddings, shakes or even cakes. They also look good on salads or in pasta dishes. The slightly nutty flavor is ideal for adding that certain something to both hearty and sweet dishes.
Many athletes swear by cottage cheese with fresh fruit and basil seeds.
If you like, you can also soak the seeds in milk, almond drink, coconut milk or oat milk. My favorite: soak the seeds in honey milk and mix with fruit yogurt.
Basil seeds are also used in the Indian dessert Folooda.
I put some of the seeds aside to grow plants again next year. Since after a year they are still very good source properties and guaranteed to germinate, it is enough to save about 10 seeds.
Important: Preparation
Dry seeds are hard and not very aromatic. In order to eat and enjoy them, you should soak them in water. They soak in a similar way to Chia seeds* and double or triple in size.
Soak the seeds in three times the amount of lukewarm tap water for about ten minutes.
If you eat the seeds raw and without letting them swell, more than 15 g a day can cause constipation and discomfort.
But if they have absorbed water, then the fiber-rich seeds promote digestion.
Thanks to their excellent swelling properties, they make you feel full faster and can thus help you lose weight.
Our conclusion
If you want to harvest basil seeds, you need to be patient and wait until the faded panicles are completely dry. Do not forget to let the seeds dry again in the sun to prevent mold. After soaking them in water, nothing will stand in the way of enjoying them.
Tip: Do not let all the plants bloom, because from the flowering of the taste of the leaves changes.
Have fun making it and enjoy!
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