Basil is a herb used in food, medicine, cosmetics, and perfumes. It originates from India and is part of the Lamiaceae family. Basil is grown commercially in California and comes in various sizes, colors, and fragrances. It is an annual plant that can be propagated by seeds or cuttings and is used in various dishes, including pesto, tomato sauce, and Thai green curry. Basil can be frozen or dried for preservation.
An herb is a plant whose leaves, seeds, or flowers are used to flavor food or in medicine. Other uses of herbs include cosmetics, dyes and perfumes. The name comes from the Latin herba, which means “green crops”. Basil, also known as sweet basil, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint, oregano, catnip, rosemary, and sage. Most of the culinary varieties are of the genus Ocimum basilicum, while the related and also popular lemon basil is Ocimum xcitriodorum.
History. The name comes from the Greek word for king, basileus. Basil may have originated in India, but it has since spread to many Asian and Mediterranean countries, as well as Africa and Central and South America, and is grown commercially in California. Many herb powers lore have to do with love and the afterlife.
Description. Ocimum basilicum, sometimes referred to as Mediterranean basil to distinguish it from other varieties, especially Thai, is known for its variety. The leaves vary in size; either thin and elongated or rounded; smooth or serrated cut; green, purple or variegated. The flowers can be white or purple in color, and the plant itself can range from 8 inches to 3 feet (about 20 to 91 cm) tall.
Ocimum xcitriodorum is a small plant with white flowers, smaller leaves than Ocimum basilicum and a distinctive lemony scent. Other fragrances, such as cinnamon, anise and licorice, are also available; and other varieties grow in Thailand, India and Africa. New species are often created.
Gardening. Though perennial in warmer climates, basil is a frost-sensitive annual in much of the United States. It can be planted from seeds or rooted from cuttings. Since lemon basil does not self-seed, propagation by cutting is the only option.
Pruning encourages bushy growth and basil should be pruned and deadheaded regularly. Some gardeners treat it as an ornamental and culinary plant. Sometimes basil can be successfully transferred indoors for the winter.
Food and other uses. Fresh Mediterranean basil leaf is a major component of pesto alla Genovese (green pesto) and also appears in red pesto (pesto rosso), which also includes tomatoes. The leaf is also used as a condiment in tomato sauce, pizza, Insalata Caprese, salad dressing and cooked vegetable dishes. The dried leaf is found in the mixed spice called “Italian seasoning”, and is sometimes a component of bouquet garni. Thai basils, which differ from Mediterranean varieties, are used in Thai green curry and as a side dish.
Basil is also used in desserts, including ice cream and sorbets, custard, and eggnog. The seeds are used to thicken the texture of some Thai foods. The essential oil is used in perfumes.
Preservation. Basil should be harvested periodically to encourage regrowth, but it’s especially important to make a final crop before the temperature drops, as the plant is not hardy. After harvesting, many gardeners prefer to freeze weed rather than dry it, as the flavor and color are better preserved. You can simply peel, clean and freeze the leaves on baking sheets before transferring them to bags.
Alternatively, mince the leaves with olive oil and, if you like, the other Genoese pesto ingredients except the cheese and freeze them in bags. You can also process the leaves with olive oil or a little water and freeze them in ice cube trays initially, then transfer them to bags. To dry basil, join the stems of several plants together and hang them in a dark, dry place.
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