Basil
August 2026
Check out some creative dishes with basil below:
SArugula Salad with Pickled Beets and Cantaloupe
Much like apricots, cantaloupe does very well in salads! Surprisingly well, in fact. With tofu feta cheese, pickled beets, arugula, and some fresh cantaloupe, this salad proved the best meal after a long day in the sun.
Cantaloupe Salsa
This salsa is a delicious, sweet version that can be used any number of ways, either as a dip for tortilla chips, or as a condiment for other dishes.
Cantaloupe Lassi
Mangoes have always been the go-to fruit for lassi drinks, but there are a whole host of other fruits that do just as well. Cantaloupe is one such fruit. I was surprised by how delicious this was, and will totally make it again.
Pro tip: add some pistachios on top as a garnish!
From Stephanie - Boca Raton
Fun Facts about Basil
How did Basil get its name?
The word ‘basil’ comes from the Greek ‘basileus’, which means ‘king’ or ‘royal’. This is why basil is sometimes referred to as the ‘king of herbs’.
Basil was used in embalming in Ancient Egypt
The pharaohs would’ve been buried in basil.
Cantaloupe seeds are edible!
Much like pumpkin seeds, the seeds of a cantaloupe are perfectly edible and full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats! Dry them, and roast them with your favorite spices.
Cantaloupe stops producing sugar once it’s off the vine.
Though some leave cantaloupe on the counter for a while to make it sweeter, that’s actually not possible. Cantaloupe stops producing sugar once it’s off the vine. However, Cantaloupe can soften when left out for longer before consuming.
