"David E. Ross" wrote in message
et...
On 6/25/2009 2:44 AM, Pat Kiewicz wrote:
Paul M. Cook said:

My basil is growing like wildfre. Easy question, do you harvest just
the
leaves or do you ct the stems?

I cut the stems to harvest, even though I will only be using the leaves.
Basil needs to be cut back hard, to delay it going to seed.


If any shoots show flower buds, pick those first. Discard the flower
buds; they are supposedly bitter. (I don't know if they are really
bitter because I always discard them.)


Basil buds and flowers are considered a culinary luxury... they are a
wonderful edible garnish and are fantastic in salads, etc, even make a very
special pizza topping.