basil plant infections – unaffected leaves ok to eat?

Question

Our basil crop has brown-spotted leaves, especially the older leaves. I’m trying to preserve some of the basil — the apparently uninfected leaves. Can consuming basil from an infected plant be harmful to humans?

Answer 1

They are safe to eat. While they may not have the same quality, in terms of size and flavor, due to the disease (which is likely a fungus that can be treated with neem oil), they will not harm you in any way.