Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Rainbow chard, also known a 5-color silverbeet, is a tender chard variety with multi-colored stalks of yellow, white, orange pink and red.
Seasons/Availability
Basil is an essential and indispensable herb within a summer garden, yet it can be grown and cultivated in all temperate climates throughout the world, making it available year round.
Current Facts
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow but there are some simple tricks that should be noted to produce healthier and productive plants. Basil should be pinched back early and often to encourage bushing and to avoid bolting. Once the plant is left to flower, it soon seeds, compromising or even destroying the flavor and shortening the lifespan of the plant.
Description/Taste
Basil, or sweet basil, as it is known, is the most popular and common of all culinary basil cultivars. It grows heart shaped leaves that can be harvested at the size of a fingernail up to four inches in length. Basil has highly aromatic qualities and flavor profiles; the wide range of distinctive fragrances within its chemical makeup emit notes of citrus, clove, anise and cinnamon, all providing a sensory memory that sets basil apart from other herbs.
Nutritional Value
Basil leaves are used as a digestive as well as an antibacterial aid. Its oils are also extracted for their aromatherapy qualities.
Applications
Basil is a sensitive and delicate herb that should only be used fresh as once it is dried, it loses its aromatics properties. It should be used raw, either whole, chopped or crushed in a paste as it is fragile and cooking it changes its value in flavor and color. Add chopped basil to diced onions and fresh tomatoes, then cook into sauce and serve over pasta. Puree fresh basil into pesto with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan, the serve with grilled vegetables or toss with pasta. Mix ricotta with chopped basil and garlic, then stuff in squash blossoms, batter and fry until crisp. Toss fresh corn kernels, chopped tomatoes and onions with thin ribbons of basil for a side salad. Basil will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week but is best when used immediately.
Geography/History
Native to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, basil is a member of the Ocimum genus, a large amalgam of plants that are characterised by stems with square cross sections and leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem. Other familiar herbs classified within this family are thyme, rosemary, oregano and mint varieties. The botanical name for basil is Ocimum basilicum. The first word translates to smell and the later, king, hence basil's unofficial title, king of herbs.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 210...
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Basil is an essential and indispensable herb within a summer garden, yet it can be grown and cultivated in all temperate climates throughout the world, making it available year round.
Current Facts
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow but there are some simple tricks that should be noted to produce healthier and productive plants. Basil should be pinched back early and often to encourage bushing and to avoid bolting. Once the plant is left to flower, it soon seeds, compromising or even destroying the flavor and shortening the lifespan of the plant.
Description/Taste
Basil, or sweet basil, as it is known, is the most popular and common of all culinary basil cultivars. It grows heart shaped leaves that can be harvested at the size of a fingernail up to four inches in length. Basil has highly aromatic qualities and flavor profiles; the wide range of distinctive fragrances within its chemical makeup emit notes of citrus, clove, anise and cinnamon, all providing a sensory memory that sets basil apart from other herbs.
Nutritional Value
Basil leaves are used as a digestive as well as an antibacterial aid. Its oils are also extracted for their aromatherapy qualities.
Applications
Basil is a sensitive and delicate herb that should only be used fresh as once it is dried, it loses its aromatics properties. It should be used raw, either whole, chopped or crushed in a paste as it is fragile and cooking it changes its value in flavor and color. Add chopped basil to diced onions and fresh tomatoes, then cook into sauce and serve over pasta. Puree fresh basil into pesto with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan, the serve with grilled vegetables or toss with pasta. Mix ricotta with chopped basil and garlic, then stuff in squash blossoms, batter and fry until crisp. Toss fresh corn kernels, chopped tomatoes and onions with thin ribbons of basil for a side salad. Basil will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week but is best when used immediately.
Geography/History
Native to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, basil is a member of the Ocimum genus, a large amalgam of plants that are characterised by stems with square cross sections and leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem. Other familiar herbs classified within this family are thyme, rosemary, oregano and mint varieties. The botanical name for basil is Ocimum basilicum. The first word translates to smell and the later, king, hence basil's unofficial title, king of herbs.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Market Restaurant and Bar | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0007 |
| Miguel's Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Searsucker | San Diego CA | 619-233-7327 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Donovan's Prime Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-906-4850 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Finch's Wine Bar & Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-456-4056 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Burlap Bar | San Diego CA | 858-369-5700 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Bice Ristorante | San Diego CA | 469-450-3519 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria | Encinitas CA | 760-634-7671 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-419-8343 |
| Salad Style | San Diego CA | 619-255-6731 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering | San Diego CA | 858-350-2700 |
| Wine Steals Point Loma | San Diego CA | 619-221-1959 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-640-0494 |
| Gabardine | San Diego CA | 619-398-9810 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Pibeta Phi | San Diego CA | 619-778-0311 |
| Bernard'O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-487-7171 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Villa Capri 2 Family Style Trattoria | San Diego CA | 858-538-5884 |
| Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| 333 Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-433-3333 |
| Hard Rock Hotel Bars | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| California State University San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-750-4765 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-255-2491 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| The Spot | San Diego CA | 858-459-0800 |
| Crush | Solana Beach CA | 858-481-2787 |
| 98 Bottles | San Diego CA | 619-549-5097 |
| Searsucker Bar | San Diego CA | 619-233-7327 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Bacci | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Acqua Al 2 Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-230-0382 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-744-5777 |
| Devine Pastabilities | San Diego CA | 619-379-7644 |
| The Farm House Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-269-9662 |
| Red Light District Bar | San Diego CA | 619-255-2800 |
| Gossip Grill | San Diego CA | 619-260-8023 |
| Blue Point / Coastal Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-233-6623 |
| Chart House Restaurant Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA | 760-436-4044 |
| The Kebab Shop (Downtown) | San Diego CA | 619-525-0055 |
| La Valencia | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| The Wine Pub | San Diego CA | 619-758-9325 |
| Hard Rock Hotel EDR | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Handlery Hotel & Resort | San Diego CA | 619-298-0511 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Kecho's Café | San Diego CA | 619-225-9043 |
| Ignite Wood Fire Bar & Grill | Carlsbad CA | 619-849-0811 |
| Villa Capri Cucina Italiana | San Diego CA | 858-720-8777 |
| The Glass Door | San Diego CA | 619-544-0164 |
| Anthology | San Diego CA | 619-595-0300 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
| Paradise Point Resort Baleen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse PB | San Diego CA | 858-483-4624 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Tipsy Crow | San Diego CA | 619-338-9300 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Delta | San Diego CA | 510-512-2213 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Stingaree | San Diego CA | 619-544-0867 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619 507-0891 |
| Reds | San Diego CA | 619-523-5540 |
| Empire House Urban Palate | San Diego CA | 619-278-8175 |
| Capri Blu | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| Boathouse Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-8011 |
| Urbn Pizza | San Diego CA | 619-255-7300 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Donovan's Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-237-9700 |
| Culinary Specialties | San Marcos CA | 760-744-8220 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
| Come On In Sorento Valley | San Diego CA | 858-558-8964 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Come on in Pacific Heights | San Diego CA | 858-638-0088 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Fox Sports Grill | San Diego CA | 619-231-9000 |
| Kensington Grill | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Azul La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9677 |
| Sneak Joint | San Diego CA | 858-488-8684 |
| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Del Mar Pizza | Del Mar CA | 858-481-8088 |
| Bunz a Burger Joint | San Diego CA | 619-298-6515 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Studio Diner | San Diego CA | 858-715-6400 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5544 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Blue Pearl | San Diego CA | 619-222-4198 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Roy's San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-239-7697 |
| Analog | San Diego CA | 619-233-1183 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 619-298-4646 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Red Light District | San Diego CA | 619-255-2800 |
| Alchemy Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-255-0616 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Fibonaccis | San Diego CA | 858-677-9974 |
| Hard Rock Hotel Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Amici's East Coast Pizzeria | San Diego CA | 858-729-9988 |
| Gingham Bar | La Mesa CA | 619-797-1922 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Harry's Coffee Shop | San Diego CA | 858-454-7381 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-450-4786 |
| Ciro's & Sidebar | San Diego CA | 619-696-0946 |
| Capri Blu Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-523-0293 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Ritual Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-283-1618 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Gingham Pastry | 619-797-1922 | |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Poseidon | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
| Delicia's | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-8000 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Pizza Port Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-224-4700 |
| The Kebab Shop Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-550-5481 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Lean and Green La Jolla | Country Club CA | 619-436-7618 |
| Paradise Grille | Del Mar CA | 858-350-0808 |
| Seau's | San Diego CA | 619-291-7329 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Conchettas | San Diego CA | 858-254-4630 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Sessions Public | San Diego CA | 619-756-7715 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Cody's at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-459-0040 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| The Kebab Shop (Encinites) | Encinitas CA | 760-634-9822 |
| Hard Rock Hotel Mary Janes | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Marriott Courtyard | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Come On In La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-551-1063 |
| Vagabond | San Diego CA | 619-255-1035 |
| Sea Rocket Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7049 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 415-308-5572 |
| All American Grill | San Diego CA | 619-296-9600 |
| Neighborhood Burger Wine and Beer | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Pantry in Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1221 |
| Twisted Vine | San Diego CA | 858-780-2501 |
| Bankers Hill Restaurant and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-231-0222 |
| Burger Lounge Commissary | Coronado CA | 619-435-6835 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | Carlsbad CA | 760-438-8606 |
| Azucar | San Diego CA | 619-523-2020 |
| Croces | San Diego CA | 619-233-4355 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Hotel Del 1500 Ocean | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Sogno Di Vino | San Diego CA | 619-531-8887 |
| Woody's Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-345-1740 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Alexander's on 30 th | San Diego CA | 619-281-2539 |
| Bo Beau Kitchen & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-224-2884 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
| Residence Inn Downtown Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-487-1200 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Boat House Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0155 |
| Cirque Du Soleil Totem | Del Mar CA | 702-513-2146 |
| Georges on Fifth | San Diego CA | 619-702-0444 |
| Parioli Italian Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-755-2525 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Bristol Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-784-6835 |
| Wine Steals Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-846-4903 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Pacific Athletic Club | San Diego CA | 858-509-0700 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-255-4230 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| The Oceanaire Seafood Room | San Diego CA | 619-858-2277 |
| D Bar SoCal | San Diego CA | 619-632-7644 |
| Local Habit | San Diego CA | 619-795-4770 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Miguel's Eastlake | Chula Vista CA | 619-656-2822 |
| Currant | San Diego CA | 619-702-6309 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Crab Catcher La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9587 |
| Carolines Seaside Cafe | La Jolla CA | 858-202-0569 |
| The Village at 631 | San Diego CA | 619-255-9405 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| World Famous | San Diego CA | 858-272-3100 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| Sapori | Coronado CA | 619-319-5696 |
| The Greenspot Salad Co. | San Diego CA | 858-587-2585 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.
