Basil 'Mrs. Burns' Lemon'
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil, a delightful cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, stands out for its distinct lemony aroma and bright flavor profile. Named after the gardener who introduced it, Mrs. Burns, this variety of lemon basil is cherished for its robust growth and aromatic leaves. The plant typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches, presenting itself as a well-branched herb with slender stems and glossy green foliage. The leaves of Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil emit a pronounced lemon scent when crushed, creating a sensory experience that elevates culinary creations.
The leaves of Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil are medium-sized and exhibit a vibrant green color. Its lemony fragrance adds a refreshing and citrusy note to various dishes, making it a favored choice among chefs and home cooks alike. This basil variety thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, providing an ideal environment for it to flourish. Whether used fresh in salads, marinades, or desserts, or dried for teas and seasoning blends, Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil offers a versatile and aromatic addition to the herb garden.
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil's popularity extends beyond its culinary uses; it is also appreciated for its ornamental value. The plant's attractive appearance and invigorating fragrance make it a lovely addition to herb gardens, borders, or container plantings. Its resilience and adaptability contribute to its widespread cultivation, allowing gardeners to enjoy the vibrant essence of lemon basil in various settings.
The leaves of Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil are medium-sized and exhibit a vibrant green color. Its lemony fragrance adds a refreshing and citrusy note to various dishes, making it a favored choice among chefs and home cooks alike. This basil variety thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, providing an ideal environment for it to flourish. Whether used fresh in salads, marinades, or desserts, or dried for teas and seasoning blends, Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil offers a versatile and aromatic addition to the herb garden.
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil's popularity extends beyond its culinary uses; it is also appreciated for its ornamental value. The plant's attractive appearance and invigorating fragrance make it a lovely addition to herb gardens, borders, or container plantings. Its resilience and adaptability contribute to its widespread cultivation, allowing gardeners to enjoy the vibrant essence of lemon basil in various settings.
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs. Burns') thrives in specific growing conditions that contribute to its robust growth and aromatic leaves. Here are the key preferences for cultivating Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil:
- Sunlight: Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil prefers full sunlight. Plant it in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ample sunlight enhances the development of essential oils responsible for the lemony fragrance and flavor.
- Soil: Well-drained and fertile soil is ideal for Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil. A loamy or sandy soil with good drainage is preferable. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil before planting provides essential nutrients. The soil pH should be in the slightly acidic to neutral range.
- Watering: Basil likes consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a watering method that directs water to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage excessively.
- Temperature: Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil prefers warm temperatures. Plant it after the last frost in spring when temperatures have warmed up. Basil grows well in temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
- Spacing: When planting Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil, provide sufficient spacing between plants, usually around 12 to 18 inches apart. Proper spacing allows for air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Fertilization: Basil benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer and apply it according to the package instructions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to lush growth at the expense of flavor.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is beneficial for Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil. Pinch off the tips regularly to encourage branching and prevent the plant from flowering too early. This promotes a bushy growth habit and prolongs the harvest period.
One delightful recipe that showcases the bright and citrusy flavor of Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil is "Lemon Basil Chicken." This dish combines the aromatic notes of lemon basil with chicken, creating a flavorful and refreshing main course. Here's how to make it:
Lemon Basil Chicken:
Ingredients:
Lemon Basil Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil leaves, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Season and Sear Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on each side until golden brown.
- Add Garlic:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Chicken Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Lemon Infusion:
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Simmer and Finish:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the lemony broth for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil leaves during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Lemon Basil Chicken with additional lemon slices and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the chicken over rice, pasta, or with your favorite side dishes.