Ingredients

Sweet Basil

There is no substitute for fresh basil. Dried basil has a completely different flavor and using it in recipes is something I rarely do.

The fresh basil you will find in the market is most likely Sweet Basil. The soft green leaves bruise easily and then turn black. Because of this fresh basil doesn't keep very well.

To keep the leaves fresh, rinse gently and then wrap them in a damp paper towel. Place the bundle inside a plastic bag before putting them in the fridge. You can also put them in a glass of water stem side down like a bunch of flowers in a vase.

5 leaves fresh basil = <1 calorie, <1g fat, 0g sat fat, 0g mono fat, <1g protein, <1g carbohydrates, <1mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol