Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb.
Where is basil found naturally?
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”.
When did basil originate?
Sweet basil or tulsi (Hindi: तुलसी,Tamil: துளசி, Urdu: تلسی)) is a low-growing herb that is grown in warm, tropical climates. It is native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, where it has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years.
Did basil originate in Italy?
Basil is undoubtedly the most loved and popular herb in Italy. Although we tend to associate it with Italy and other Mediterranean countries, it actually originated in India, and was brought to the Mediterranean via the spice routes in ancient times.
Is basil European or Caribbean?
Basil (Ocimum) is a genus of aromatic herbs some of which can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes. There are Ocimum species native to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South America.
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.
What country grows the most basil?
About Basil Leaves:
- Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves.
- North America is the largest region of Basil Leaves in the world in the past few years.
What was basil originally used for?
Basil has been around for over 4,000 years. Throughout history, basil was believed to have almost magical powers. It was used as an antidote for snake bites, and was believed to give strength during religious fasting. It was found in mummies in Egypt because the ancient Egyptians used this herb for embalming.
Why is basil called basil?
Etymology. The name “basil” comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), meaning “royal/kingly plant”, possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes.
Who brought basil to Italy?
the Greeks
Originally from Africa, basil (or basilico as called in Italy) was brought to Italy from Persia by the Greeks, who must have thought highly of it. Basilkos is Greek for “king.” The Romans introduced its therapeutic use in Italy, believing that essence of basilico had healing properties.
Why do Italians use basil?
Basil brings freshness to any dish, and pairs extremely well with cheeses, tomatoes, garlic, and lemon. It is used in countless Italian dishes, perhaps most famously in the Caprese salad. Its antibacterial properties also bring health benefits to the table.
How do Italians say basil?
A plant whose sweet-smelling leaves are often used as a herb in Italian cooking is basilico (masculine, plural basilichi), which is the word for basil. In the Tuscan dialect, it is pronounced with a double s (bassilico).
How did basil reach Italy?
Synopsis. Basil, the aromatic green herb, a cousin of the tulsi, is integral to Italian cuisine but has much to do with India. India and Italy share a long history. It is seen in things like amphorae (wine jugs) unearthed at Arikkamedu, an ancient port near Pondicherry which traded with Rome.
What are the health benefits of basil?
Having antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. It also helps in the prevention and cure of diseases like cancer, diabetes and other heart conditions. Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, basil leaves can be consumed raw as long as they are well sanitized before consumption. You can consume them along with other salad leaves or with tomato and cheese, it is a good combination, it depends on your creativity and your taste.
Who discovered basil?
It is believed that basil has origins in India, but the herb has been cultivated for over 5,000 with its reach spreading to all corners of the globe.
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 basil good for your liver?
Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keep your liver healthy. Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keeps your liver healthy. Basil also helps restore the body’s natural pH levels and feeds healthy bacteria within the gut microflora.
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Sweet basil is high in eugenol. Research has linked this plant-based antioxidant to many health benefits, including lowered blood pressure ( 3 ). Studies suggest that eugenol may help reduce blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
What is basil used for medicinally?
Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites. Women sometimes use basil before and after childbirth to promote blood circulation, and also to start the flow of breast milk.
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.