Fresh Basil & black fingers?

[Motosport]

I use a lot of fresh basil from my garden. When I mince or cut it my finger tips turn black. Is it only me?

[Bacardi1]

Same here. If I use my fingers to tear fresh basil leaves up rather than cut them, or when I use my fingernails to "pinch" off the plant tips &/or flower buds to increase bushiness & more foliage, my nails are inevitably black for awhile. It takes several washings for the color to go away.

[Motosport]

I love Chowhound!! Who'd a thunk?

[jmnewel]

A corollary of this is the black thumbnail I get from using the nail to separate the leaf from the stem. It is so much easier than using scissors! But at a price!!

[escondido123]

Not only basil but mint too which is in the same family. I now "harvest" and "chop" it with a pair of scissors if I'm not using too much. Otherwise, a sharp chef's knife does the trick for me.

[KSlink]

Chopped basil tends to turn black. Try tearing it instead of using a knife on it...

[Alan408]

Or use a sharper knife.

[Motosport]

The knife is sharp. I will try tearing it. It's not really a problem. More of a wonderment!!

[Alan408]

Technique?

Chiffonade

[Alan408]

When I notice the basil getting bruised, it is because my knife needs sharpening. If you tear a "stack" of leaves, you will bruise them.

"Bruising" occurs when you break open a cell, the more cells you break (or cut or damage) the more bruising. Bruising is what turns the basil black. It is probably just basil "juice", and that juice turns into a dark color when exposed to air.