The More You Pinch
Basil is similar to parsley in that the more you pinch, the more it grows. If left to grow without pinching back, basil will grow on a single branch, with single leaves growing out on either side. Pinch from the top down each time you harvest to encourage bushy, horizontal growth and discourage 'bolting' (plants going to seed and growing flowers). Cut just before new leaves using either a sharp pair of scissors or pruners, or a thumbnail works in a pinch.
Tender Annual
Basil is a tender annual, meaning it is grown for only one growing season and either pulled before or killed off by the first frost. Leaves will turn black and limp after frost, rendering them unusable, so it's important to have leaves harvested beforehand.
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Read up on how to care for basil here. For information on preserving basil, please check out our complete Preserving Herbs guide.
