Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Lemon Basil Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to lemon basil
About lemon basil
Lemon basil is a hybrid known for its sweet, lemony aroma. This popular herb is believed to have originated from Asia and is used often in Asian cuisine. Other names for lemon basil include hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, and Lao basil. Like conventional basil, lemon basil is a green, leafy herb. The leaves of lemon basil are thinner and lighter green than regular basil, with a slightly serrated edge. Lemon basil is available all year long, but its peak season is summer. Most of the lemon basil in the world is grown in southern Asia and northeastern Africa.
Lemon basil is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin K. It also provides a small amount of magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, vitamin C, and manganese. The powerful antioxidants citral and limonene are also present in lemon basil and are responsible for its bright, citrus aroma.Â
How to pick out lemon basil
Lemon basil may be sold intact (with the leaves still attached to the stalks) in bunches or bagged. Loose lemon basil leaves are sold in plastic containers. Lemon basil is occasionally available as potted plants. When buying lemon basil, look for bright green leaves free of dark spots and decay. Potted plants should be standing up straight, not wilted. Touching lemon basil leaves should release their signature citrus scent.
How to use lemon basil
Lemon basil pairs well with garlic, ginger, coconut, chives, mint, seafood, poultry, strong cheeses, and green vegetables. Lemon basil can be used in both raw and cooked dishes.
Here are a few ways to use raw lemon basil:
- Use raw lemon basil as an edible garnish or add it directly to green salads.
- Use chopped lemon basil to add flavor and color to dips, vinaigrettes, cocktails, and iced tea.
- Rub raw leaves over fish or chicken before cooking to add a burst of lemon and basil to the final dish.
- Create a delicious appetizer by sprinkling sliced lemon basil leaves over stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, nectarines, and plums.Â
Lemon basil can be added to cooked dishes such as curries, soups, rice, and pasta. When cooking with lemon basil, wait until the last minute to add the leaves to maintain the herb's flavor, aroma, and color.
Lemon basil is also used to infuse syrups, oils, and tea. Lemon basil adds flavors of lemon and anise to baked goods such as scones, cookies, and pound cake.
Lemon Basil Near Me
Buy your favorite Lemon Basil online with Instacart. Order Lemon Basil from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about lemon basil
Like all fresh herbs, lemon basil is highly perishable If your lemon basil has stalks with attached leaves, place it in a small container and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the stalks. Cover the stalks and container with a clear plastic bag and place it in the fridge. Individual leaves should be wrapped in lightly dampened paper towels, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the fridge.
For long-term storage, consider dehydrating or freezing your lemon basil. Leaves can be dried out by placing them in a low oven or dehydrator for several hours. You can also hang lemon basil stalks upside down in a dry room where they will dry on their own in a few weeks. Dried lemon basil should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight.
Lemon basil leaves can be individually frozen on a sheet pan and then packed in a freezer-safe container. Lemon basil leaves frozen in this way will maintain their flavor but tend to turn black. Preserve lemon basil's bright green color by chopping lemon basil leaves in a food processor with some olive oil. The olive oil coats the leaves and prevents them from changing color. Place the mixture in an ice cube tray for easy use in recipes. For an average ice cube tray, one cube equals two tablespoons of fresh lemon basil.
Lemon basil is added whole or sliced into a chiffonade before adding to recipes such as soups, stews, dressings, and more. All you need to chiffonade basil is a cutting board and a sharp knife. Follow these steps to create thin ribbons of delicious lemon basil:
It is very important to use a sharp knife when cutting lemon basil. A dull knife will bruise and crush the leaves, turning them black.
To spot spoiled basil, look for the following signs:
- Black or heavily spotted leaves
- Wet or slimy leaves
- Unpleasant odor
- Limp, dry leaves
Lemon basil adds fresh citrus flavor to any dish you use it in. Use the Instacart app to order your lemon basil and other necessities, and our experienced shoppers will do the work for you. Got a busy day? Take advantage of our contact-free pickup or delivery!