basil syrup

basil syrup

basil is a summer time favorite.  pesto for pastas, tomato sauces, salad mixes, caprese salads, lovely additions to the flower or herb beds are just a few examples as to why we love basil.

but did you know that basil is a natural anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, and antispasmodic, medicinally speaking. 

basil has an amazingly long list of ways it can help heal the body including:  

• keeps digestion running smoothly
• keeps the immune system healthy
• kidney strengthener 
• anti-stress agent
• insect bites
• mouth infections
• asthma
• bronchitis
• the common cold & the flu
• headache relief
• children's complaints such as colds, coughs, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting
• reduces cholesterol
• calms your nerves
•  plus many, many more things

 and if i haven't sung basil's praises enough, it also includes has vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate, calcium, choline, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, and sodium.

so eat some basil already will ya?!?!  :)

here's the basil syrup recipe i made today that can be used drizzled over ice cream, fresh fruits, berries, or just give your kids a tablespoon when that sore throat hits or that cough won't go away.

gather these ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh basil or 1/4 cup dried basil
1 cup water
1 cup raw sugar

step 1:

put the basil and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let steep for 10 minutes (or longer if you want it a bit stronger)

step 2:

strain off the liquid (keep this) and discard (aka compost) the basil. 

step 3:

put the basil liquid (basil tea at this point :) ) back in the saucepan and add the sugar, stir together until the sugar melts.  bring back to a boil and boil for 5-7 minutes (be sure to stir often during this process).  turn off the heat and let the basil syrup cool.

step 4:

after the basil syrup has cooled, put it in the sealed container of your choice.  label it with the date as it will keep in the fridge for about 2 months.


easy peasy and soooo delicious!!  enjoy!!