Basil is an herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The name is of Greek origin and means “royalty.” Basil comes in many different varieties,
differing in shape, size, and color. Large-leaf Italian sweet, tiny-leaf bush, thai, lemon, and African blue are the most common cooking varieties.
Basil origins can be traced back to India nearly 4,000 years ago. Basil was called “the Herb of Kings” by the ancient Greeks. It also has been found
in Asia, Egypt, and around the Mediterranean. Some people believe that basil found growing around Christ’s tomb was taken to Rome and
dispersed throughout Europe. The leaf became popular in sixteenth-century England and was carried to North America by English explorers.
differing in shape, size, and color. Large-leaf Italian sweet, tiny-leaf bush, thai, lemon, and African blue are the most common cooking varieties.
in Asia, Egypt, and around the Mediterranean. Some people believe that basil found growing around Christ’s tomb was taken to Rome and
dispersed throughout Europe. The leaf became popular in sixteenth-century England and was carried to North America by English explorers.
Where Is Basil Grown?
Basil is grown commercially in Yugoslavia, India, Mexico, Italy, Israel, Morocco, and the United States. Within the United States, California is the
main producer.
main producer.
Why Eat Basil?
Basil is rich in rosmarinic and caffeic acid, which are phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Other phytochemicals in basil include
orientin and vicerin, flavonoids that protect cells from damage; volatile oils, such as camphor and 1,8-cineole, that have antibacterial properties;
and carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
orientin and vicerin, flavonoids that protect cells from damage; volatile oils, such as camphor and 1,8-cineole, that have antibacterial properties;
and carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
Home Remedies
Basil appears in many simple preparations. A leaf tucked over a mouth ulcer may ease the sore’s pain. Try treating sore gums with a tea made
from eight basil leaves in one cup of boiling water. Swish frequently with the tea. Treat an earache with the juice from ten basil leaves: With a
dropper apply a drop or two into the ear canal. For hair loss or dandruff, massage the scalp with oil of basil. An hour later, wash your hair with cold
water. Two to three crushed basil leaves mixed with water and rock salt may soothe indigestion. You may drink it hot or cold. A spoonful of a
mixture of the juice of basil leaves and honey may help soothe a hoarse voice. At the very least you’ll enjoy a delicious beverage. Basil juice may
also relieve itching. Massage the juice onto the trouble area. Basil also makes an excellent bug repellent!
from eight basil leaves in one cup of boiling water. Swish frequently with the tea. Treat an earache with the juice from ten basil leaves: With a
dropper apply a drop or two into the ear canal. For hair loss or dandruff, massage the scalp with oil of basil. An hour later, wash your hair with cold
water. Two to three crushed basil leaves mixed with water and rock salt may soothe indigestion. You may drink it hot or cold. A spoonful of a
mixture of the juice of basil leaves and honey may help soothe a hoarse voice. At the very least you’ll enjoy a delicious beverage. Basil juice may
also relieve itching. Massage the juice onto the trouble area. Basil also makes an excellent bug repellent!
Lifesaver!
HEART HEALTH: A study conducted on rabbits found that when they ingested holy basil mixed with alcohol and water, the fatty component ofcells did not become damaged as easily when exposed to stress, thus improving circulation and reducing heart disease. Another animal studyfound that rats who were having a heart attack and who were treated with holy basil had less damage to their heart tissue than rats who were havinga heart attack and who were not treated with holy basil.
ANTIADHESION: Basil has been shown to make platelets, a component of red blood cells, less “sticky”—a process that may reduce the chanceof blood clots forming.
IMMUNE RESPONSE: Rats who were administered holy basil had decreases in immune response to allergens.
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES: Oil of basil has demonstrated strong antibacterial traits, even with antibiotic-resistant types. It has been found particularly effective in killing harmful bacteria found in produce. Next time you order a salad out, ask for lots of basil.
Tips on Using Basil
SELECTION AND STORAGE:
• Choose leaves that are bright green and free from any brown or yellow spots.
• Basil only keeps a few days in the refrigerator.
• Place cut stems in water and keep them on the windowsill. Sprigs will remain fresh a week or more.
• Layer basil between sheets of waxed paper and freeze. The leaves will darken but they will retain their aroma and flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves can be covered with olive oil in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator up to two months.
• When stored in a cool, dark, dry space, dried basil may last up to six months.
• Basil only keeps a few days in the refrigerator.
• Place cut stems in water and keep them on the windowsill. Sprigs will remain fresh a week or more.
• Layer basil between sheets of waxed paper and freeze. The leaves will darken but they will retain their aroma and flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves can be covered with olive oil in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator up to two months.
• When stored in a cool, dark, dry space, dried basil may last up to six months.
PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
• Add leaves only during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Wash fresh basil under cold running water to remove dirt.
• Chop leaves by rolling them tightly into a cigar shape and chop to desired consistency.
• Place mozzarella cheese and a fresh basil leaf on top of a tomato slice for a simple and tasty tomato salad.
• Add basil to tomato sauce, stir-fry, and pasta shortly before serving.
• Stalks of basil can be added to bottles of vinegar and olive oil for added flavor.
• Wash fresh basil under cold running water to remove dirt.
• Chop leaves by rolling them tightly into a cigar shape and chop to desired consistency.
• Place mozzarella cheese and a fresh basil leaf on top of a tomato slice for a simple and tasty tomato salad.
• Add basil to tomato sauce, stir-fry, and pasta shortly before serving.
• Stalks of basil can be added to bottles of vinegar and olive oil for added flavor.
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