Summertime in the Valley means more than just tree fruit, grapes and melons.
Basil, one of the Valley's favorite culinary herbs, thrives in the heat. And right now, farmers are harvesting an abundance of the aromatic plants.
Although many varieties of basil exist, Valley growers have focused on several types, including Italian, Thai, lemon and purple.
Organic grower T.D. Willey in Madera is harvesting an Italian basil called Genovese — a plant with slightly peppery and slightly sweet characteristics. The variety is prized for its high oil content, making it a preferred herb for pesto makers and chefs.
"It has a very robust and full flavor and can stand up to pasta sauces," said denesse Willey of T.D. Willey Farms.
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