Traditionally associated with tomato and mozzarella in the famous caprese salad or mixed into pesto, basil has more tricks up its sleeve! Recipes.
It is the finishing touch to our toast and salads, the herb that perfumes our pasta dishes and the key ingredient of the famous pesto, everyone will have recognized it: basil. From the Latin “Basilicum” and the Greek “Basilikos” which mean “royal”, basil is a unique aromatic. Its texture is unique, its fragrance that invades our kitchens as soon as we store it there is incomparable and its taste reminds us of the great summer tables.
Why settle for simply placing basil leaves on plates when you can blend it, infuse it, or even ice it? Open up the possibilities and celebrate summer by inviting this “royal herb” into your preparations.
Basil, a virtuous and traveling herb
Originally from India, basil has been used for over 5000 years. It spread very quickly in Europe and is now mainly cultivated in France and Italy, particularly in summer, the most favorable season. It has become the most popular fresh herb in Europe, covering up to 70% of the market, all herbs combined.
If many people love it, it is also for its many benefits. Trace elements (pure minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium); vitamins A, B, C, K; antioxidants; proteins; fibers; lipids and carbohydrates, basil is the perfect nutrition / well-being combo. This herb, despite its finesse and small size, contains all these active ingredients, making it ideal for soothing ailments. Difficulty falling asleep, sore throat or anxiety, basil will be your ally. Consume it as a drink, with our recipe for iced infusion with hibiscus, raspberry and basil or even in iced soup.
Finally, consuming basil, no matter how, stimulates the body’s defenses.
How to Store Basil Without Wilting
Basil bunches turn black very quickly, in just 24 hours. Although they need 4 to 5 hours of exposure to the sun per day, to avoid losing and wasting them, pamper them. To do this, place its leaves, with or without stems, in a bowl of fresh water. Thanks to the natural action of water, you preserve all the vigor and freshness of the leaves. You can then reserve the bowl, water, and leaves for a few days in the refrigerator. Enough to ensure the preparation of your best basil and pine nut pesto, aperitif creams, tarts and granita.
Green olive, ricotta and basil cream
© Valery Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Green olive, ricotta and basil cream
Chilled strawberry soup with coconut milk, Japanese pearls and basil granita

© Emanuela Cino
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Chilled strawberry soup with coconut milk, Japanese pearls and basil granita
Strawberry soup, basil whipped cream, and olive oil

© Grégoire Kalt
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Strawberry soup, basil whipped cream, and olive oil
Razor clams, mint-basil pesto with garlic

© Delphine Constantini
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Pretty expensive
- See the recipe: Razor clams, mint-basil pesto with garlic
Basil crème brûlée

© Nicolas Villion
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Basil crème brûlée
Apricot, passion fruit and basil tart by Christophe Michalak

© Delphine Michalak
- 8 people
- Level: Very easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Apricot, passion fruit and basil tart by Christophe Michalak
Basil pesto, pine nuts; rocket pesto, pistachios; and coriander pesto, peanuts

© David Japy
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 25 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Basil pesto, pine nuts; rocket pesto, pistachios; and coriander pesto, peanuts
Strawberry and basil slice

© Pierre Baëlen
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 60 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Strawberry and basil slice
Cucumber ricotta, basil

© Clara Vucher
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Cucumber ricotta, basil
Iced hibiscus, raspberry and basil infusion

© Valery Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Iced hibiscus, raspberry and basil infusion
Chawanmushi / tomato and basil flan by Mory Sacko

© Virginie Garnier
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Chawanmushi / tomato and basil flan by Mory Sacko
Tomato soup with bread

© Valery Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Tomato soup with bread
Tomato, mozzarella and basil salad

© Valery Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Tomato, mozzarella and basil salad