**Let's make an herbal pesto featuring basil, the fragrant king & your new favorite plant ally.**
*This basil tastes amazing on roasted veggies, pasta, chicken dishes & even a nice homemade bread, but don't take my word for it, try it out yourself!*

Basil Pesto with Properly Prepared Nuts & Seeds

This post may contain links but they are not affiliate links. I am not in any sort of affiliate program at this time. They are links to things I actually use.

When I first came across the concept of properly preparing nuts & seeds the idea was a bit foreign. It isn’t until we start to question & learn why that these concepts that once felt foreign are actually the same ways that our ancestors did things.

It wasn't until fairly recently in our history did you stop doing these things. Be it in the name of convenience or lack of time we started to cut corners in how we prepared our foods.

While it could be argued that with all these scientific & medical discoveries we’re in a much better state of health but we’re quick to forget one simple fact, our food isn’t as nutritious as it used to be.

Perhaps this is due to industrialized agriculture & the over farming of the lands that has left our soils is depleted. Perhaps it's this forgotten wisdom that was passed down by our ancestors before we got too busy to listen.

Either way we’re at somewhat of a crossroads. Do we continue the path we’re on or is it time to try something new?

I fully understand that not all of us have the time, energy or space to grow all our own foods so what other solutions are there?

We could begin to remember the ways of our ancestors in how they properly prepared nuts, seeds, grains & legumes. Today we will be focusing specifically on nuts & seeds with plans of talking about properly prepared grains & legumes at another time.

So how do you properly prepare nuts & seeds?

We have 3 methods to choose from. Soaking, sprouting & fermenting. To learn more about this concept I suggest grabbing a copy of Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook the Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition & the Diet Dictocrats By Sally Fallon. That book has opened my eyes in a way that they can’t be closed again.

Soaking

Thoroughly rinse the nuts or seeds & place them in a clean bowl. Place double the amount of filtered water over the nuts or seeds with high quality sea salt. I like to do 2 cups of nuts/seeds, 4 cups filtered water, 1 tbsp high quality sea salt
Leave them to soak for 18-24 hours at room temperature
Drain & rinse. I like to allow the nuts or seeds to dry on a baking sheet in a single layer overnight
Toss in some high quality sea salt if desired
Dry in a 150-200F oven for 12 hours or a food dehydrator at 110F for 24 hours

Sprouting

This involves soaking & rinsing the nut or seed every few hours to twice a day. This method requires a sprouting jar or sprouting lid for equipment

Thoroughly rinse the nuts or seeds & place them in a clean, sterile jar. Cover them with filtered water by 2-3 inches & put on the lid
Leave them to soak overnight at room temperature
Drain, rinse & drain again with new filtered water every 8-12 hours.
Within a few days sprouts will start to appear. Rinse & drain one more time
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days

Fermenting

Thoroughly rinse the nuts or seeds & place them in a clean bowl with some whey & filtered water. I usually do 2 cups of nuts or seeds, 4 tbsp whey dripped from homemade yogurt or kefir & cover with enough filtered water to fully submerge
Cover & allow to sit at room temperature for 12-48 hours
Drain & rinse. I like to allow the nuts or seeds to dry on a baking sheet in a single layer overnight
Dry in a 150-200F oven for 12 hours or a food dehydrator at 110F for 24 hours

Why do we want to do this?

The main reason is because these methods of preparation increase the nutrient bioavailability & digestibility of the nuts or seeds themselves

We will be going much deeper into this topic in future posts but for now please consider this your introduction

Basil Pesto with Properly Prepared Nuts & Seeds

Now it’s time to talk about Basil, the Fragrant King!

**Basil**

Ocimum basilicum
*Image courtesy of Pixabay.com*

Name: Basil

Latin name: Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum is from the Greek language & it means “to be fragrant”
Basilicum is from the Greek word for King

Common names: great basil, sweet basil

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

Parts used: Leaves

Taste: Sweet & pungent

Herbal Actions & Bodily Affinities:

Adaptogenic qualities helping the body to manage stress & helping to promote mental balance
Eases intestinal distress, helping to alleviate headaches & reduce fevers
Contains antiseptic properties helping to play a role in wound care
Nervine & circulatory stimulant properties helping to combat overall fatigue & mental dullness as well as improving memory & concentration
Aids in the digestive process helping to reduce any gas or nausea
May help manage blood sugar levels, supporting overall cardiovascular health & even providing relief from respiratory ailments
Inflammation modulating properties due to its high level of Eugenol, a volatile oil that appears to block the activity of the COX enzyme. This is interesting because most OTC pain medications work by inhibiting the same enzyme
It has been used to help expel parasites from the body

Signature: The flame shape of the leaf indicates it works on the fire element in the body essentially helping the body to learn how to contain fire

Signature = Sign in Nature. Learn more HERE

Energetics: Slightly warming & drying

Contraindications & precautions: Avoid in higher doses during pregnancy as it does have some emmenagogue effects & can stimulate menses.

Traditionally it played a role in aiding in the process of childbirth

Channeled message:

“Be not afraid to stand out. Be brave as you stand tall & face the day before you. Each day brings a new adventure, a new day or a new season so enjoy it. Be fruitful in your endeavors & thankful for the adventures”

*Nutritional Content of Basil Source: Foodstruct.com*

Ruling planet: Mars

According to Herbalist Nicholas Culpepper it is also co ruled by Mars & Mercury

Ruling element: Fire

Additional notes: It has been used in some countries as an insect repellant by just taking fresh leaves & rubbing them on the skin.

Recipe:

3 cups fresh herbs firmly packed

1 ½ cups properly prepared nuts &/or seeds

1 cup oil, plus more if needed

¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

3-6 garlic cloves

1-2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice (optional)

Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

Put all of the ingredients into a food processor & blend until the pesto is to your preferred consistency
Add more oil if the food processor sputters
Taste before seasoning with salt as the amount will vary depending on your taste, the quality & type of cheese you use & if your nuts & seeds were salted

Notes: