Pick the leaves and use fresh or dried in vinegars, with fish, vegetables or added to soups. As with most basil varieties, lemon basil should only be cooked briefly so as not to sacrifice its flavor and aromatic qualities. Chop lemon basil and puree with fresh blueberries and water, then serve as a cold soup. Blend fresh lemon basil with cream, then warm and serve over pasta. Add chopped fresh lemon basil to lemon cookie dough. Puree lemon basil leaves with 1/4 cup water, then mix with sweetened yogurt and freeze and serve frozen yogurt with grilled nectarines. Lemon basil is delicate and should be used immediately upon purchase. Store dry and refrigerated for up to a week.