As we just said, basil has spikelets on each stem on which the small white flowers are located . These are usually cut off when they only reach a few centimeters. In fact, cutting allows the stem to grow, thereby producing more basil leaves.
However, you can grow some of these spikelets to a maximum size of 10/15 centimeters for use in the kitchen and beyond. When they reach this length, you can continue cutting. Be careful, however, as this means they are not eaten like the leaves, but must be dried first .
The spikelets are therefore edible, but must first be dried. Once they have reached a reasonable length, you can detach them from the basil plant, which is still growing, and place them in the sun for several hours . Make sure there is no wind, otherwise the spikelets will fly away.
Once dry, it takes about 48 hours. You can use them in different ways. However, we recommend that you put the obtained herb in a jar with a lid so that it retains its aroma. But let’s see how to use them in a very simple way below.