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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
Grow Your Own Basil Pesto
Lesson Description:
Students will grow basil and garlic. After harvesting the herbs, students will combine ingredients to make their own garden fresh basil pesto.
Eco-Fact: Research shows that eating less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 tsp of salt) per day may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Most of the sodium people eat comes from processed foods, not from the saltshaker.
Procedure:
Students will grow basil and garlic. After harvesting the herbs, students will combine ingredients to make their own garden fresh basil pesto.
Eco-Fact: Research shows that eating less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 tsp of salt) per day may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Most of the sodium people eat comes from processed foods, not from the saltshaker.
Procedure:
- Combine the basil with a pinch of salt, garlic, nuts and about ½ the oil in a food processor or blender. Process, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container with a spatula or spoon. Add the rest of the oil gradually.
- Stir in the cheese by hand. Taste for salt. You can also add more oil if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Makes: About 2 cups
Adaptations:
- Make Your Own Mint Pesto: Substitute mint for basil, canola oil for olive oil, and omit the cheese.
- Make Your Own Arugula Pesto: Substitute arugula for basil, and omit the cheese.
Lesson Type:
- Experiment
- Project
Sustainability Topic:
- Gardening
GEF Program Category:
- Green Thumb Challenge
Materials Needed:
- Blender or small food processor
- Spatula or large spoon
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 4 cups loosely packed basil, rinsed and dried
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 1 c. olive oil
- 4 TB pine nuts or walnuts
- Salt to taste
- French or Italian bread and grilled vegetables for dipping; or, serve on pasta or as a pizza topping.
Submitted By:
Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Green Education Foundation (GEF)
School or Group:
Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
service@greeneducationfoundation.org