Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, however, basil can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.
Where can you find basil in the wild?
Wild basil occurs in suitable locations in most of Europe, western and central Asia, North America and North Africa. Its typical habitat is dry grassland and heathland, usually on limestone or chalky soils.
Is there wild basil?
A wild relative of the basil we use in our kitchens, whilst it isn’t as pungent it is slightly aromatic. Like true Basil it is however part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family which helps to give this wildflower its other name ‘Cushion Calamint’.
Where does basil usually grow?
Basil will grow best in a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can perform well in partial sun, too. Soil should be moderately fertile and moist but well-draining. Basil works great in containers or raised beds, as these allow for better drainage.
Is basil native to North America?
It is most well known as a cooking ingredient that can be used to add flavour to a wide variety of dishes. However, it can also be used in the preparation of dyes. Despite the purple hue of its flowers, the dyes it produces is typically brown or yellow. It is native to North America.
What does wild basil taste like?
Native Basil has a delightful fragrant mix of Basil, Mint and Sage flavours and was often called the 5 Spice Plant by early settlers.
What is wild basil good for?
Wild basil is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid against a multitude of health conditions. For example, consuming basil regularly is thought to help ward off nasty colds, coughs, and fevers in many cultures both east and west. Wild basil is also often celebrated for its digestive properties.
Does wild basil spread?
Clinopodium vulgare (Wild basil ) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Is wild basil invasive?
A native of India and China, this annual herb was introduced as an ornamental and is widely naturalized. It spreads invasively in our state and should not be planted or allowed to spread. It reseeds abundantly.
What is the habitat of basil?
Its habit is bush-like, with a tough stalk. Like other members of the mint family, it has a square stem and opposite leaves, and is extremely aromatic. Its flavor is spicy-sweet with a hint of anise. It is native to Asia and the Middle East, but has long been grown in Europe as well.
What does basil symbolize?
Basil is one tasty little plant, but it’s suffered a symbolism identity crisis over the years. Originally meaning “hate,” it later became embraced as a symbol of love. During the Victorian era Sweet Basil conveyed “good wishes” to the receiver. In Italy, a man who accepted basil from a woman was destined to marry her.
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.
Is basil healthy to eat?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
When did America get basil?
sanctum) is one such herb used in the Hindu religion. The Spanish, French, Portuguese and English colonists brought basil to the New World. It was brought to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in about 1621.
Is Holy Basil different from basil?
Holy basil is an herb from the basil family. It has several possible health benefits and is significant in some forms of traditional medicine. Holy basil is the English name for the plant Ocimum sanctum. People should not mistake this with the culinary form of basil, which comes from the plant Ocimum basilicum.
Is basil a bush or tree?
Basil comes in so many varieties that it can be hard to choose just one or two for a limited space. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is fairly common, a tall herb with large, glossy green leaves. Bush basil (Ocimum minimum), sometimes called dwarf basil, only grows to about 6 inches tall (15 cm.)
Is Greek basil the same as basil?
Basil ‘Greek’
Greek or ‘bush’ basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum ‘Greek’) has smaller leaves than sweet basil, with a slightly sweeter flavour. Use them to make pesto or add to tomato sauces or pizzas. It’s neat, compact shape makes it ideal for a container.
Does basil keep bugs away?
Basil also acts as a good insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes. Very useful using fresh leaves rubbed on the skin. Eucalyptol. According to research conducted by Kansas State University, this compound is effective in eliminating bugs from the kitchen and repelling cockroaches and weevils.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Is it safe to drink basil tea?
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as tea using the leaves. And since it’s caffeine-free, it’s OK and even recommended to drink daily.