About Basil
A common seasoning found in many kitchen pantries is basil. Basil is an herb that can be used to flavor salads, soups, sauces and meats. Basil has a robust flavor and appealing pungent fragrance. It especially complements tomato-based dishes and can be used to flavor butter. Basil can be used fresh or dried.
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Features
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Basil is an easy to grow herb, yet the plant is unable to withstand frost. It will grow both inside and outdoors, yet tends to do better outside. Basil thrives in the sunshine and should avoid cold drafts and frost. Bottom leaves that become yellow is an indication that the plant either needs less fertilizer or more sunlight.
Identification
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The common or sweet basil has tooth-edged green leaves and a tiny purplish-white blossom. Basil can be grown in the garden from seeds. The common or sweet basil grows to about 1 foot tall, while the basil shrub can grow to 8 feet in height. Basil is from the mint family, Labiatae. The basil bush is Ocimum basilicum. There is also a dwarf basil, which is Ocimum minimum and the shrub basil is Ocimum suave.
Types
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There are various types of basil. Sweet basil is often used in Italian cooking. Thai or holy basil is popular in Asia. The distinct flavor of basil is used to enhance ethnic foods such as Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine. Some types of basil are annuals while others, like the African Blue and the Holy Thai basil, are perennial plants.
Benefits
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Basil use is not confined to the culinary. It is an aromatic herb that can be used in cosmetics, potpourris and sachets. Basil can be used to flavor oils or vinegar. It has also been used for medicinal as well as spiritual purposes. In India oaths were sworn on basil, and in Italy and Mexico a sprig of basil was said to aid the cause of lovers. Basil is also used in some religious ceremonies. Basil seeds can be soaked in water and used in various Asian beverages and desserts.
History
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For over 5,000 years basil has been cultivated by man. The popular herb is native to India, Iran and some tropical areas of Asia. Legend tells of basil growing around Christ's tomb after the resurrection. Several theories are attached to the origin of its name. One is that the word basil comes from the Greek word basileus, meaning "king." Another theory is that it comes from the Latin word basilicus, meaning "dragon."
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