Herbs You Should Be Eating This Summer

Healthy Food Bytes: Herbs you should eat this summer.

Add a burst of flavor with fresh herbs this summer. Remember, they're best when used raw. Or, add after you finish the cooking process as in a hot pasta dish. This will retain color and nutrients.

BASIL

Basil has medicinal qualities. It has been used for years in India to fight infections and topically applied for cuts and scrapes. Topically, it has been used in acne treatment and other skin disorders. As a tea, it is used for soothing an inflamed throat. Culinary aspects: it gives food a fresh burst of flavor. In the past you have added it to pasta, now try adding it to sandwiches and salads. Try adding it to a glass of ice water for a unique treat.

Recipes for you -

Basil Vinaigrette:
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 c canola oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1-2 tbs apple juice
2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth
Pour over sliced heirloom tomatoes and Maui sweet onion slices.

Watermelon and Cantaloupe Salad:
1/2 watermelon cubed
1 cantaloupe cubed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp agave nectar

Blend chopped mint, chopped basil, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Blend until smooth.
Add the vinaigrette to the melons and toss to combine.

Brown Rice Salad:
1 cup long grain brown rice cooked and cooled
Sea salt
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons agave nectar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon good olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound grape tomatoes
1 cup packed basil leaves chopped

Cook rice using package directions. Rice should be fluffy, make sure you cook it long enough – should take about an hour on low simmer. Add about 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Whisk together the vinegar, agave nectar, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss with the tomatoes and basil. Toss with Rice. Serve at room temperature. Don't serve cold or the rice will be hard.

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