| Basil (Sweet Basil) |
| Basilika |
| Herb: Basil (Ocimum basilicum), of the Family Lamiaceae, is also known as Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil. It is a tender low-growing herb that is grown as a perennial in warm, tropical climates. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. |
Available all year round as a fresh plant from your supermarket. |
Brings out the best in soups, marinades, salad dressings and cheese dishes. Basil has a special affinity for tomatoes which makes it indispensable in salads, pizza, pasta sauces and other Italian dishes. It is used to flavor herb butters. There is no substitute for fresh basil in salads and other fresh vegetable dishes. Dried basil is handy for tomato sauces during the winter months. Basil is a member of the mint family.
Basil is most commonly recommended to be used fresh; in cooked recipes it is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor.
Basil is available as a fresh plant most of the time it has bright green leaves. It also comes dried the leaves become brownish olive; sweetly pungent and a bit minty.