Chunks of pesto are easily thawed for use on pasta or to flavor sauces. Basil and oil puree may also be frozen for winter use. The leaves should be stirred twice a day. Covering them with a sheet of newspaper will help retain their color. Basil releases it's essential oils at 85 to 90 degrees so it should not be dried in the oven or microwave.
Sweet basil is a generic term for many unnamed varieties of basil.
They tend to be large leafed and grow from 24 to 36 inches tall. They have wonderful fragrance and are excellent for culinary purposes. Lemon Basil Ocimum basilicum var. A wonderful lemony flavored basil that is excellent in teas, pestos and chicken dishes. It grows 18 to 24 inches tall and has light green pointed leaves.