California Central Valley calendar
Basil
Ocimum basilicum · mint family · the leaves
At its best in California Central Valley from late June to late August. Right now it’s winding down.
The season
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Field notes
Choosing
Leaves bright green, no black spots or wilting.
Keeping
Stems in water on the counter, never the fridge — it bruises cold.
Also in season in California Central Valley
Apple
at its best now
Beets
just arriving
Bell Pepper
winding down
Brussels Sprouts
just arriving
Cauliflower
just arriving
Celery
just arriving
Season dates for the California Central Valley calendar, checked locally.