Basil

Over 150 varieties of basil are grown. Basil originated in India, where it was regarded as a sacred herb.

 

Basil Also called SWEET BASIL, spice consisting of the dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum, an annual herb of the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) native to India and Iran. A number of varieties are used in commerce including the small-leaf common basil, the larger leaf Italian basil, and the large lettuce-leaf basil. The dried large-leaf varieties have a fragrant aroma faintly reminiscent of anise, and a warm, sweet, aromatic, mildly pungent flavor. The dried leaves of the common basil are less fragrant and more pungent in flavor. Basil is widely grown as a kitchen herb. It is used as a seasoning for pizza, spaghetti sauce, sausage, soup, tomato juice, dressings, and salads. Many Italian cooks prefer to use basil instead of oregano. Basil is also a common flavoring in Thai cuisine.. Tea made from basil leaves is a stimulant. The essential oil content is 0.1 percent, the principal components of which are methyl chavicol and d-linalool.

Over 150 varieties of basil are grown. Basil originated in India, where it was regarded as a sacred herb. The name comes from the Greek basileus meaning 'king.' Once people were no longer fearful of this herb, it was said to be "fit for a king's house." In Haiti basil is thought to belong to the pagan love goddess Erzulie, and in Italy it has been regarded as a sign of love. Basil is native to India but is grown commercially all over the Mediterranean region and in California. With an aroma that is like mint and tea, it blends well with tomatoes and is essential in most tomato-sauced Italian dishes. The botanical name for basil is derived from the Greek "to be fragrant," even though many Greeks disliked basil. They believed that scorpions bred under basil pots and one Greek writer insisted that basil existed "only to drive men insane." In India, however, Hindus believed that if a leaf of basil were buried with them, it would serve as their passport to heaven.

 

Add to: Facebook Myspace del.icio.us | Digg Google Furl reddit