How to Extract Seeds from Your Basil Plant

Ever wonder what to do with your basil plant when it goes to seed? The obvious answer is to grow more basil. Basil is a delicious and versatile herb with many health benefits. Dr. Axe lists twelve of them: 1. contains disease fighting antioxidants, 2. anti-inflammatory, 3. fights cancer, 4. has antibacterial properties, 5. has antimicrobial properties to help fight infections and viruses, 6. helps with depression, 7. promotes cardiovascular health, 8. supports liver funcion and detoxification, 9. improves digestion and helps alkalize the body, 10. can act as an aphrodisiac, 11. helps protect against diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and 12, fights stress by acting as an adaptogen. To read more about this, visit: https://draxe.com/benefits-of-basil/. He also includes some yummy recipes at the end.

When a basil plant goes to seed, small seed pods appear at the top of the plant. Here are some images of what that looks like.

Basil Plant that has Gone to Seed

Basil Plant that has Gone to Seed

Once those pods dry, you can cut them off and extract the seeds. To extract the seeds you twist off the tiny, dried seed pods and roll them gently between your fingers. The pod will break up and you will end up with dried pod debris and tiny black seeds. You can now collect the seeds and store them in a dry place until next season or plant them right away.

Dried Seed Pod

Pop one of the tiny pods off and rub it between your fingers

Here is the debris and the seeds

Separate the tiny black seeds and save them for later or plant immediately

Good luck on growing basil. It is so tasty and versatile, you will love having the fresh leaves available at any time. One of my favorite recipes is strawberry ice cream with basil. I take it to the next level by adding some dark chocolate chips to the recipe. Enjoy!



Acknowledgement:
Thank you to my gardening friend Kristin for teaching me all about basil plants going to seed. I now have basil plants everywhere and I use it in almost all of my dishes. My chickens love it too!