Food Articles Herbs and spices Basil
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Basil
It is believed that basil originated back in India centuries ago, and it was documented in China around 900 AD. Basil offers a colorful past in various cultures. Ancient Romans thought of basil as a symbol of hatred, while the Hindus burned it in reverence to their god Vishnu. In Italy, basil is considered a sign of love. Basil comes in more than 60 varieties and each one offers a unique flavor from cinnamon to lemon to anise. Sweet basil is among the most popular and it comes in both dwarf and large types. Although basil comes in dried versions in your supermarket spice aisle, your best bet is to stick with the fresh herb. Basil loses a lot of its characteristic smell and taste when it is dried. Basil is an annual that is normally grown outdoors, but is easy to maintain inside should you decide to keep a plant handy in your kitchen for those moments when you will simply pluck off a few leaves and add them to a pot on the stove or to freshly sliced tomatoes. Basil loves the sun so if you grow it in your garden, keep it in a bright area and pinch off the flowers as they open to ensure a long life for the plant. Although it does not offer vitamins or protein, basil does have potassium, an important dietary mineral. Basil is used to alleviate nausea and can boost moods, so if your tummy is a bit upset, try brewing up some basil tea. Simply add boiling water to a tablespoon of basil and sweeten with a dash of honey. One of basil’s key benefits is that it adds a great deal of flavoring to foods without the need for added salt or calories. Recipes:
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