Basil

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Cropped sweet basil (Thai basil)

Introduction

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb from the family Lamiaceae. It is also known as sweet basil or common basil. The plant is native to tropical regions of central Africa and southeast Asia, but is now widely cultivated and used around the world.

Description

Basil is an annual herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has green leaves that are often used in cooking and have a strong, sweet aroma. The leaves can be either smooth or slightly hairy, depending on the variety. The flowers are small and white, and grow in clusters on the upper part of the plant.

Culinary Uses

Basil is a popular herb in many cuisines, especially Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese. It is often used fresh in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, or added to soups and stews. It is also used to make pesto, a sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.

Medicinal Properties

Basil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It has also been used to relieve stress and anxiety.

Cultivation

Basil is easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers warm weather and plenty of sunlight. It can be grown from seed or from cuttings. The plant needs to be watered regularly and the soil should be well-draining. Basil can be harvested once it reaches a height of 15 cm.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of basil, each with their own unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Sweet basil Thai basil Lemon basil Purple basil Holy basil

Cultural Significance

Basil has been used in many cultures for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In Hinduism, basil is considered a sacred herb and is often planted around temples. In Greek and Roman cultures, it was believed to have powers of protection and was used in various rituals.

Symbolism

Basil has various symbolic meanings in different cultures. In some cultures, it symbolizes love, while in others, it represents hate or disdain. It has also been associated with good luck, fertility, and purification.

In Popular Culture

Basil has been referenced in various works of literature and media. In the novel and film "The Silence of the Lambs", the character Hannibal Lecter famously quips, "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. " In the scene, he is shown cooking with fresh basil leaves.

Trivia

In some cultures, it is believed that smelling basil can bring good luck. Basil is one of the main ingredients in the popular liqueur known as chartreuse. The name basil is derived from the Greek word "basilikos", meaning "royal" or "kingly".

Gallery

• Basil plant

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  Thai basil

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  Lemon basil

Overall, basil is a versatile and beloved herb that has played an important role in various cultures and cuisines around the world. Its pleasant aroma and unique flavor make it a popular ingredient in many dishes, and its medicinal properties make it a valuable herb in traditional medicine.

The leaves of the common basil are used fresh or dried as food.

Aromatic herb

It is a common Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum

Other uses of the term

In Roman Catholic Church, the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379).

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