Botanical name

Ocimum basilicum

Other Names

Great basil

Description 

Basil is a culinary herb of the family lamiaceae (mint). Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia, but is generally a favorite of gardeners everywhere in the summer. The part of the plant typically used in cuisine are the leaves.  

There are many varieties of basil, such as lemon basil, holy basil and Thai basil, but the type most commonly used is Genovese basil (sweet basil).

Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs. I grow tons of Genovese basil every year and always have lots of fresh basil in jars full of water on my kitchen windowsill in the wintertime. I have experimented with many different types over the years in my garden, such as lemon basil, but there will always be tons of Genovese basil in my backyard every year. For me, my first whiff of basil after planting the seeds signals summer.

Quick Tip

When buying basil from the grocery store, try to avoid buying only the leaves and buy basil “cuttings” whenever possible. When buying the “cuttings, do not store them in your refrigerator, as it does not like to be cold because it’s a summer season plant. Instead, remove the bottom leaves if there are any, then place the “cuttings” in a container with water, just like you would for flowers. Be sure to change the water out every few days.

Quick Tip 2: How to have never-ending basil

Do just as I mentioned above, and if given enough light, such as from a sunny window, and fresh water every few days, it will start to grow roots in about a week and it will continue to grow. I do this every year with cuttings from my garden just before the first frost hits and then I have fresh basil leaves all winter long. Just be sure to pinch off any flowers that form on the top and be sure not to strip your basil of its leave too much. It needs some leaves to continue to take in light and keep growing. Also be sure to pinch off the top bit of branch if you take all the leaves from the top set of leaves.

Flavor Profile

The leaves taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.

Vitamins it Contains

• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron

Background and History

Culinary Uses

• Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce.
• The Chinese also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods.
• In Taiwan, people add fresh basil leaves to thick soups. They also eat fried chicken with deep-fried basil leaves.
• Basil (most commonly Thai basil) is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create an interesting flavor in ice cream or chocolates (such as truffles).

Folk Medicine

• Research studies of the essential oil showed antifungal and insect-repelling properties, including potential toxicity to mosquitos.
• In folk medicine practices, such as those of Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine, basil is thought to have therapeutic properties.
• Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might help get rid of intestinal worms.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

https://www.rxlist.com/basil/supplements.htm

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