Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Published on: 01 December 2018 Last Updated on: 27 June 2021

The global housing market is reportedly shifting. Now, some of the most luxurious homes around the world are being sold at a fraction of what they cost a few years ago.

While it may be the dawning of a worldwide seller’s market, there are plenty of expensive homes exceeding the average buyer’s price range.

Even if you can’t fork over mega-millions for a mansion of your own, it’s fun to imagine what it might be like to live in the world’s most luxurious residences.

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Read on for an inside peek at ten of the world’s most stunning abodes!

1. Beverly House, Beverly Hills, California:

The Beverly House is within walking distance of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and has been in many major motion pictures. It appeared on-screen in major box-office hits, such as “The Godfather” and “The Bodyguard”.

Designed by the famous architect, Gordon Kaufman, the Beverly House is on the market for a cool $135 million dollars. But, if you don’t want to commit to a mortgage, you can rent the star-studded digs for a mere $600,000 dollars a month.

If you’re looking to move out west, you could always sell your home to Otranto Real Estate. It won’t get you $135 million, but it’s a start, right?

2. Luxury Italian Villa, Otranto, Italy:

This luxury Italian villa has stood the test of time since its construction, which dates back to 1840. Perched on the coast, overlooking the sandy shores, and full of charming courtyards and gardens, this one-of-a-kind 16-room property is breathtaking, even in pictures.

It’s currently for sale, but the price isn’t open to the public. The price tag on this stunning display of Italian architecture is available by application only.

3. Buckingham Palace, London – One Of The Most Famous Homes Around The World:

It’s easy to see why this royal beauty is fit for a queen.

As the home of Queen Elizabeth, there’s no chance of buying this castle for yourself. But, you can visit and tour the castle’s grounds. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during specific times throughout the year.

It’s unlikely that you will get around to viewing all 775 rooms. But, many of the staterooms are available for viewing and they are every bit as glorious as you might imagine. In fact, every inch of Her Majesty’s royal homestead is worth the price you will pay for admission to the royal grounds.

While you’re there, make sure that you swing by Windsor Castle, which marks 900 years of royal architecture. If you want to see the actual home of the Queen, you will want to head to Edinburgh where you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both are open to visitors all year.

4. Antilla, Mumbai, India:

Mumbai

The Antilla is a 27-story skyscraper that’s owned by the fifth richest man in the world.

Mukesh Ambani, the world-famous billionaire, had the luxurious tower built for his own private use. His wife visited New York and fell in love with Asian interior design, causing him to design the tower for her.

Antilla is the world’s largest and most extravagant residential property. The home cost the businessman around $2 billion dollars.

5. The Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:

It’s not the original Playboy Mansion, which was in Chicago, but Hugh Hefner’s final party house is bigger and better than the first.

Hefner, known for his partying lifestyle and hosting exclusive soirees, placed his mansion on the market for $200 million. However, the deal included a caveat that he would be able to use the address to party until he passed.

Eventually, the Playboy Mansion sold for half of the original asking price. The Greek millionaire who owns Hostess, the brand that makes Twinkies dessert cakes, bought the home.

6. Fleur de Lys Mansion, Los Angeles, California:

The former home of Mariah Carey recently sold for $102 million dollars, paid in cash by an anonymous buyer. Its spread includes 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. There’s also a 3,000 square foot wine cellar, tasting room, two-story library, expansive ballroom, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa.

The Fleur de Lys Mansion, built in 2002, modeled the French castle known as the Palace of Versaille, which had been the most decadent home of its time. The Palace of Versaille was the home of Marie Antoinette, who became famous for her narrow-minded extravagance.

Supposedly, a crowd of peasants once stood in arms outside of her palace complaining that they hadn’t even a crumb of bread to eat. The wealthy Mademoiselle supposedly responded “Let them eat cake”, even though we now know that isn’t accurate.

The socialite’s supposed response, absurd to those hearing it, has defined Antoinette as one of the most out of touch characters to ever grace the pages of history books.

The quote is still cited when referring to the overwhelming differences in thought between social classes.

7. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, Washington:

Owners Bill and Melinda Gates built their sprawling Washington home with many cutting-edge features. As the mastermind behind one of the century’s most notable companies, Gates created the tucked away abode to match his tech-savvy image.

A few of the unique amenities of Xanadu 2.0 include an underwater music system, a separately-housed swimming pool, and a trampoline park with 20-foot ceilings.

The 66,000 square foot home has 24 bathrooms in all, 10 of which are full baths.

In addition, it also has 6 kitchens, male and female locker rooms, a sauna, and a 2,300 square foot reception hall. The reception hall has a wall-to-wall limestone fireplace and a massive video screen for entertaining. It can seat up to 150 people or accommodate up to 200 guests if standing.

Also interesting is the home’s heating and light system. They are controllable using a pin-passcode that guests can set according to their personal preferences. The house’s sheltered design aids in reducing energy usage and regulating temperatures.

Gates also houses his ancient Da Vinci manuscripts here, which he acquired in 1994 for over $30 million dollars at an auction. He can display additional artwork, stored on $150,000 worth of storage devices, via the $80,000 computer screens adorning the walls.

8. Acqua Liana, Florida:

Florida

This property’s claim to fame is that it holds the title for the world’s most luxurious eco-mansion.

The 15,000 square foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a waterfall spa that’s lit with fire, floating sun terraces, and an arched aquarium wet bar. It’s almost hard to believe that such extravagant details could also be eco-friendly.

Still, for any doubters, there are plenty of “green” qualities throughout the luxurious homestead. Acqua Linea has superior air quality, $120,000 worth of solar panels, ultra-efficient appliances, and extra LEED features. This helps the eco-mansion to maintain an energy-neutral setting most days.

Its’ designer created the home, not only to be sustainable living quarters but also as a work of art. His visits to exotic tropical locations such as Bali and the South American rainforests inspired him.

9. Palazzo Di Amore, Beverly Hills, California:

Jeff Greene, an LA real-estate mogul, owns the Palazzo Di Amore, which is Italian for “Castle of Love”. He listed the home for $195 million dollars but has since lowered the asking price by at least $66 million.

The sprawling compound is an entertainment mecca. It features a rotating dance floor, laser light system, and a high-tech DJ booth. There’s also a bowling alley, game room, theater, and parking space that can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time. The hard part is getting your friends to come over, it’s getting them to leave!

10. Kensington Palace, London:

Valued at $222 million dollars, Kensington Palace sits on one of Britain’s most exclusive streets, which also known as London’s “Billionaire Row”.

When the homeowner, Laski Mittal of India, purchased the 55,000 square foot palace for $128 million dollars, it was the most expensive address on the market. In addition to owning the famous mansion, Mittal also owns the world’s largest steel manufacturing company.

Kensington Palace was once home to the de Rothschild family. It’s located near the current home of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.

Looking Into Buying a Mansion of Your Own?

If you’re interested in purchasing one of the mansions above, you’ll be happy to know that several of these properties are currently up for sale. But, there are also plenty of other homes around the world priced for much less in the event you aren’t prepared to spend millions (or billions) of dollars.

But, before you invest in any type of real estate, there is some crucial information that you need to know.

Ready to start searching for your own dream home?

Check out this post for a list of essential things to know before buying a new house!

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Exploring The Ways Domestic Lifts Enhance Mobility And Access

In today's fast-paced world, accessibility is not just a luxury but a fundamental necessity. Whether it's navigating public spaces, buildings, or even our own homes, the ability to move freely and comfortably is something many of us often take for granted. However, this seemingly simple task can present significant barriers for those with mobility challenges. Fortunately, technological advancements have paved the way for solutions that revolutionize accessibility, with lifts emerging as a transformative tool for enhancing mobility. In their various forms, such as elevators, platform lifts, and stairlifts, lifts have become indispensable assets in modern infrastructure. These ingenious devices offer a range of benefits, from facilitating effortless movement between different building levels to enabling access to previously inaccessible spaces. Beyond the tangible benefits of enhanced accessibility, lifts also foster a more inclusive and empathetic society. Let us take a closer look into all the possible ways domestic lifts provide ease of mobility and champion the cause of accessibility for all. Facilitating independent living Lifts play a significant role in facilitating independent living by allowing individuals to navigate their living spaces and access different levels of buildings without assistance. Maintaining independence within their homes is often a primary concern for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. By eliminating the need to navigate stairs, these lifts allow individuals to access all levels of their homes independently, reducing reliance on caregivers or family members for assistance. For individuals with mobility issues, navigating stairs can pose significant safety risks. Lifts mitigate these risks by providing a secure and stable means of vertical transportation. They also enable individuals to participate fully in social activities, pursue hobbies, and engage with their surroundings without feeling limited by mobility challenges. Enhancing safety Lifts enhance safety in various ways compared to traditional methods of vertical transportation. Lifts eliminate the need to navigate stairs, minimizing the risk of tripping, slipping, or falling. Climbing stairs can physically strain the body, leading to fatigue, muscle strain, and cardiovascular stress, especially for those with preexisting health conditions. Lifts alleviate this strain by providing a comfortable and effortless means of vertical transportation. The lift designs also accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility aids, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access different levels safely and comfortably without the risk of tipping over or getting stuck on stairs. In emergency situations such as fires or earthquakes, lifts can be used to safely evacuate individuals, especially those with mobility challenges who may struggle to navigate stairs quickly. Promoting inclusive design Lifts are vital for promoting inclusive design by ensuring that spaces are accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and sizes. By incorporating lifts, designers create environments that everyone can access and enjoy, regardless of their physical abilities. Lifts eliminate architectural barriers such as stairs, steps, and uneven surfaces, which can pose significant obstacles for people with mobility impairments. This removal of barriers ensures that spaces are equally accessible to everyone, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Moreover, accessible lifts empower individuals with disabilities to move independently within built environments, preserving their autonomy and dignity. Whether it's installing a home elevator for aging homeowners or integrating platform lifts in heritage buildings, lifts can be customized to meet specific accessibility requirements while preserving the architectural integrity of the space. Supporting leisure and recreation Lifts support leisure and recreation by enhancing accessibility and enabling individuals with mobility challenges to participate in various activities and explore recreational spaces. Installing lifts in recreational facilities, outdoor settings, cultural places, and amusement parks allows individuals with mobility limitations to access elevated viewpoints and enjoy all amenities like everyone else. By providing equal access to leisure and recreational spaces, lifts promote social inclusion and facilitate opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in social activities, connect with others, and build meaningful relationships. Horizontal and vertical transportation Lifts for houses contribute to both horizontal and vertical transportation, addressing different types of mobility needs and overcoming various barriers. Lifts are primarily designed for vertical transportation, enabling individuals to move seamlessly between different levels of buildings. They are designed with spacious interiors, accessible controls, and audiovisual indicators to accommodate individuals with diverse mobility needs, ensuring equitable access for all users. They offer a safe and comfortable mode of transportation, equipped with safety features such as emergency brakes, interlocks, and backup power systems to ensure passenger safety during operation. By providing a means of horizontal transportation, these lifts also empower individuals with mobility challenges to navigate their surroundings independently, promoting autonomy and freedom of movement. Improving public transportation Lifts play a significant role in improving public transportation by enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse population. Lifts installed in transportation hubs provide an alternative for those who cannot use stairs, ensuring everyone can enter and exit stations safely and independently. For passengers transferring between different modes of transportation, such as from a subway to a bus or vice versa, lifts make the transition seamless. Lifts also contribute to the safety and security of passengers by providing a controlled and monitored means of vertical transportation. Removing barriers to public transportation, lifts support the autonomy and freedom of individuals with mobility challenges, enhancing their quality of life. Empowering employment opportunities Lifts contribute to the environment by empowering employment opportunities and ensuring equal workplace access for individuals with disabilities. Lifts provide a vital means of accessing different building levels, allowing employees with disabilities to reach their workplaces without barriers. By providing lifts, workplaces create an inclusive environment where architectural barriers do not limit employees with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and equality among all employees. Access to lifts allows employees with disabilities to move freely within the workplace independently, promoting their sense of dignity and autonomy. Conclusion Domestic lifts represent more than just convenience; they epitomize the liberation of mobility and the expansion of home accessibility. By seamlessly integrating into residential spaces, these lifts empower individuals with mobility challenges to navigate their homes with ease and dignity. Beyond functionality, domestic lifts symbolize a commitment to inclusivity, creating living environments where everyone can thrive regardless of physical limitations. Many lift installation providers and contractors ensure that they are mindful of all these inclusions to provide a holistic and practical usage of these machines. Read Also: How Well Does Carbon Fiber Perform in the Cold? 4 Ways To Bring A New Look To Your Home Mold Inspection And Testing

What Do Artificial Grass Recyclers Do?

Artificial grass has many benefits compared to classic lawns with natural sod. One of the main advantages is the possibility of recycling, which is especially important for environmentally conscious customers. Also, it does not need watering and fertilizers, which is another way it contributes to the Earth's well-being. By looking at the financial side of installing an artificial lawn, you can conclude it is a profitable investment. Namely, synthetic turf is very long-lasting. With minimal maintenance, it can stay in good condition for more than 20 years. In high-traffic areas, this lifespan is shorter. So eventually, it has to be replaced at some point. Now the question is what to do with the old grass. A few years ago, you had probably first thought of taking it to the landfill. And now that you know artificial turf can be recycled, you know what to do. You can run into companies that buy old turf as raw materials and find it a new purpose. Which Parts of Artificial Turf Are Recycled? Until a few years ago, artificial turf was not recycled. The main reason was the lack of adequate equipment for that. Today, thanks to innovative technologies, it is possible to sort recyclable materials from synthetic turf and send them to further processing. This modern equipment separates the plastic from the synthetic blades and removes the infill materials. These are mostly natural materials that certainly do not harm the environment, such as different types of sand, artificial turf, and even natural sod. So, it is perfectly safe to dispose of them. Considering the volume and complexity of work that recycling machines do, they are quite expensive. And it is clear why only a small number of companies recycle artificial grass. So, when you look for companies that recycle synthetic grass, you will not have to wander around. Just perform good research to find reputable and reliable ones. Recycling Process Companies like Artificial Grass Recyclers are in the business of giving synthetic grass a new purpose. They realized the potential of recycling, so they invested heavily in the right equipment and people trained to operate these machines. The recycling process itself is quite streamlined. As already said, these companies collect all the synthetic grass that home and business owners no longer want in their yards and facilities. Depending on the amounts, they usually transport it to recycling plants, where the already-mentioned separation is done. Infill materials are disposed of, while recyclable components go into further processing. Polyurethane, polypropylene, and latex undergo re-pelletizing. It means that these pieces of plastic are cut, melted, and flattened into thin pellets. These are like raw materials for new products, among other things, pads for different settings. What Are New Uses of Recycled Artificial Grass Recycled grass can get a new life in many different ways. For starters, it can once again become a lawn for residential settings. Apart from being made from recycled materials, this turf is no different from 'regular' synthetic grass. The only 'problem' can be if the new turf is made from recycled pitches from sports fields. Then it is most likely necessary to paint these surfaces. Besides houses and buildings, recycled turf can be an excellent flooring for terraces, porches, and outdoor settings like playgrounds, animal shelters, dog parks, etc. That is where the recycled rubber infill also comes in handy. Apart from being reused as turf infill, this material can be used for roads, as a construction material, and for industrial purposes. Recycled artificial grass can be an efficient energy source. Pieces of pellets obtained by processing synthetic turf can emit a significant amount of energy. However, this use is not exactly ecological due to the by-products of burning plastic. So, it is always better to consider other, more eco-friendly ways of use. Benefits of Reusing Artificial Grass Using synthetic grass instead of natural grass has many advantages. And if you continue using it after it has been given new life by recycling, you will enjoy even more benefits. For starters, it is a significant saving in your landscaping budget, considering that recycled turf costs less than new one. Here you can find a handy buying guide. Besides, you drop your carbon footprint. In addition to decreasing the amount of plastic waste in nature, you contribute to reducing pollution. That is because artificial turf, even when second-hand, does not require watering, chemicals, and fertilizers. Finally, we should not forget the various possibilities when it comes to the design of your yard. Throughout the year, you will have a lush, eye-catching lawn that looks brand new. No one would ever suspect it is second-hand. Once the time comes to install or replace turf, one alternative to consider is recycled synthetic turf. It has many benefits, and it will also be easy on your wallet. Plus, it will look good all year round, even with minimal maintenance. Read Al The Best Riding Lawnmowers: These Lawnmowers are for You How To Prepare Your Lawn For Fall How to select a weed wacker

Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!

Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves? If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more… How to Harvest Basil Leaves? The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold. Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow: Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves. Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem. Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health. After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use. How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding. However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves. Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil: At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter. From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven. Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor. Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season. How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant? Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes. However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant. Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it: Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground. Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise. Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive. Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Pick Basil Leaves? Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it: From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems. When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Store Basil Leaves? Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves: Refrigerate Them You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them. Freeze Them You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings. Dry Them You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them. Make Pesto You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference. How to Cut Basil? Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to cut basil: Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner. Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool. Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish. Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful. How to Use Basil Leaves? Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves: Fresh You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water. Cooked You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs. Preserved You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt. Wrapping It Up! Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways. Read Also: Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest? Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World