Romans
once considered basil to be the herb of love and in parts of Italy. It is still
referred to as “bacia-nicola” or “kiss-me-Nicholas.” Basil is also called great
basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. The Romans also believed that the gardener
planting the basil must curse and insult it in order to make the herb flourish.
As a native of India, basil is a sacred herb in the Hindu religion. Basil the leaf is placed on the dead in burial ceremonies to ensure that the gates of
heaven will open for them.
Description
As one of the most popular herbs, basil is widely used throughout
the world. While there are many different types of basil, sweet basil is the
most common. Sweet basil plants have large, oval, bright green leaves with
small white flower clusters. The aroma is a complex mix of sweet and spicy with
a strong and fresh clove-like scent. Much like its aroma, sweet basil’s flavor
is warm and peppery, with a hint of clove and undertones of mint and anise.
Culinary Uses
Basil tastes great in tomato and pasta dishes but it also gives a sweet-scented,
minty aroma when crumbled over baked chicken, lamb or seafood. When making
pesto or its French cousin pistou, sweet basil will yield the best results.
Basil turns black when cooked in an acid medium like tomato sauce. Adding basil
towards the end of cooking will serve to retain its aroma and flavor. It blends
well with garlic, thyme, and oregano. Basil leaves can be torn, chopped or
shredded; however, cutting will bruise the leaf and cause it to darken quickly.
Other Uses
Some people believe putting whole basil plants on a window sill
will deter flies. Basil is also used in aromatherapy products, as a landscape
plant, and it is even dried and pressed as a part of homemade paper.
Storing
Fresh basil, kept loosely wrapped in a plastic bag, will last about
one week in the refrigerator, provided the leaves are not wet.
