Basil is an annual herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It has square stems with leaves that grow on opposite sides, and the leaves are rounded, slightly cupped, and curve to form at point at the tip. The leaves are generally light green, although some varieties have reddish or purplish leaves.
How do you describe basil leaves?
Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems.
How is the flavor of basil described?
Sweet basil has a fresh aroma with a subtle peppery flavor and a hint of mint. Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
What is called basil?
Basil (/ˈbæzəl/, also US: /ˈbeɪzəl/; Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term “basil” refers to the variety also known as sweet basil or Genovese basil.
What is in basil?
Basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils. Plus, it has the goodness of antioxidants, including beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene. However, all these miraculous compounds happen to leave the herb during the process of drying.
What is basil used for?
Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
How do you describe the smell of basil?
In general, basil plants can produce different scents akin to cat urine, lemon, licorice, or even cinnamon due to the presence of particular compounds like mercaptan, anethole, citral, cinnamate. Some of these compounds can be externally introduced while others are naturally produced by specific basil varieties.
What does basil taste and smell like?
Regular basil has a sweet and savory taste profile with peppery and minty undertones. Some also say it has a hint of anise. Additionally, basil has a clove-like and slightly sweet aroma. You will instantly think of pesto the moment you smell its leaves.
What are some fun facts about basil?
Native to Africa and Southern India, basil is a sacred herb in the Hindu tradition and used in burial ceremonies in both India and Egypt. The name basil comes from the Greek work “basileus” or “king”. It is also attributed to the word “basilisk” a legendary dragon who could slay a person with just one glance.
Is basil a spice or herb?
Basil, rosemary, and parsley are often found in a kitchen’s spice rack but actually qualify as herbs because they are aromatic leaves. Spices tend to be stronger in flavor than herbs, because they are made from crushed portions of plants that are especially rich in essential oils.
Where is basil found?
Basil is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the “king of the herbs”.
Where is the word basil?
Basil is native to India, but it was introduced to other regions around the world so long ago that it’s a basic ingredient in traditional Italian and Thai dishes, among others. The root of basil is the Greek basilikon, “royal plant,” from basileus, “king.”
Can you eat basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.
How is basil used for medicine?
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil to boiling water and steep for about 5 minutes then strain. Sweeten with raw honey to taste and sip slowly to help with digestive issues. This can also soothe a cough.
Is basil good for skin?
Aiding its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil helps prevent acne. Basil is also an excellent pore cleanser since it contains natural oils that help act as a natural cleanser and remove surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin, swelling and pain that may come with acne.
How can we use basil leaves?
How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
What is basil used for other than cooking?
Other Basil Plant Uses
Use basil in place of lettuce on sandwiches or even as a wrap. Add basil (a little dab is all you need) and the juice of a lemon to an ice cream base for homemade ice cream. Make basil herb butter which can be frozen for later use. If you want a DIY gift project, try making soap from the herb.
What can basil be used for other than food?
From settling an upset stomach to preventing cancer, basil is a small, but potent herb to improve your health.
- Tea. Infuse your tea with the aromas of fresh basil!
- Upset Stomach Relief.
- Cancer Prevention.
- Homemade Pasta.
- Acne Treatment.
- Ice Cubes.
- Immune System Boost.
- Salads and Sandwiches.
What plant smells like basil?
A mint plant that smells of Basil – may seen bizarre but actually really nice! A fragrance not to be missed!
Does basil smell spicy?
Ah, pesto… Basil is a delicious herb, when used in cooking – and a delicious, aromatic fragrance note, too, with a green, slightly sharp and spicy edge that lends itself really well to men’s scents. In ancient Arabic perfumery, basil was known as ‘the king of the fragrant plants’.
Why does basil smell different?
The smell and taste we associate with basil come from a number of essential oil molecules that, depending on the species, the cultivar, and the growing conditions, will be present in different quantities in the leaves.