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Basil

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Basil Recipes

Cooking with Basil

Recipes

Description

Basil, also called sweet basil, is the dried leaves of the herb Ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family. Basil is a small, bushy plant that grows to about two feet tall. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek, "to be fragrant."

Uses

Basil is used in tomato sauces, pestos, pizzas, and cheeses. It is used in green Thai curry blend, bouquet garni, and Italian seasonings.

Origins

Although basil is cultivated worldwide, Egypt is the principal source, followed by the United States.

Folklore

The early Romans made it a symbol of love and fertility. Through the centuries, it became a custom of young Italian suitors to wear a sprig of basil as a sign of their marital intentions.

Color

Uniform green color

Flavor & Aroma

Fragrantly sweet

Sensory Profile

Basil is characteristically tea-like, with green/grassy, hay-like and minty notes. It is slightly bitter and musty.

Comments

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janee

Nov. 15, 2009 12:24 am

Was successful in growing basil from seed this year; saw on the net that you can put a sprig in water and it will root; it's true.

Rindge 6

Apr. 3, 2010 5:29 am

Basil is expensive where we live, so I buy one very tall, healthy plant and snip each branch off and place them in PLAIN water. In 10 days, I have all the roots and plants I need for the season.

Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)

Apr. 23, 2010 8:47 am

great idea to "root" in plain H2O. going to get some long sprouting parts of plant before pinching the others back....thanks!

gtfoodfashion

Jul. 23, 2010 7:39 pm

I love basil. Yum. It's actually really good on its own if you oven roast it with some olive oil and salt. I recommend this recipe with great pictures: http://whitebison.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/oven-roasted-basil-leaves-the-better-potato-chip/

Jenell

Sep. 27, 2010 6:01 pm

Hey gtfoodfashion, I tried the oven roasted basil leaves....very interesting. I like them! Thanks for sharing the link!

Donna Burnett

Sep. 28, 2010 3:55 am

Make sure not to let it flower, seems to change the taste of the leaves. It grows quite well in water for a long time, just make sure to change the water every couple of days, if the oxygen in the water is depleted, your rootlings will die.

ChefStef

Sep. 28, 2010 9:27 am

As an annual, Basil is really easy to grow in a container outside (sunny in morning, part shade in hottest part of afternoon,dont let dry out too much). Aussie basil is white and green with small leaves -- very productive! I like basil in toasted cheese sandwiches with tomato slices made with garlic bread. Good antioxidants too.

dazybluinaz

Sep. 28, 2010 1:52 pm

I have 3 different varieties of basil growing in my garden, italian, cinnamon (which smells awesome,like sweet cinnamon)and thai (smells a little like licorice).When I harvest them I dry them in my windodw seal in the kitchen, then when dried I crush them up all together to use. Very good in tomatoe dishes and on baked chicken.

MOMOF2TWO

Sep. 29, 2010 7:23 am

sometimes i will fry them in oil and place them on top of an entree for visual appeal (and flavor as well).

lindalooloo

Sep. 29, 2010 11:22 am

When i have an overabundance of basil, or can buy it from a market real cheap, i take the leaves off, wash them,, pat them dry, then freeze them on a try.. once they are frozen i throw them in a ziplock bag.. then when you need them .. they are just like fresh.. much nicer than dried !!

Essie

Sep. 30, 2010 5:25 pm

I grew lemon, lime and Genovese basil from seed, this year. They are very easy to grow from seed or cuttings. You can also root fresh mint from the grocery store in water, if it's fresh enough. I started with about 5 sprigs and then took cuttings from them after they rooted. I ended up with an 18" pot overflowing with mint. Basil won't survive frost, so pot it up before cold weather and put in a bright sunny window or under lights - a 40 watt fluorscent bulb placed no more than 2" above the plant for 14 - 16 hours a day will keep it growing and healthy.

LemonLush

Oct. 1, 2010 1:15 pm

I use fresh basil and olive oil for a basil oil that I keep for sandwiches, salads and pasta. It's also nice when it's chopped finely into an heirloom salad. Who doesn't love basil?

Katie Chadbourne

Oct. 2, 2010 1:10 pm

I have a Basil plant that has been growing strong for 3+ years. It grows like a weed! I am constantly cutting it back and giving the clippings to friends. I keep it inside, on my kitchen counter, next to a window. I didn't know that the clippings could root simply by placing in water. I am going to try this. "While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates" Wikipedia

MyTwoBoys

Oct. 2, 2010 2:12 pm

Last year I went to a restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina that had a basil salad. It was just made of basil leaves and some kind of minty tasting dressing. Very simple, but very impressive. I've been trying to re-create it, but I can't seem to get the dressing right.

DaveinDenver

Oct. 2, 2010 11:41 pm

It's important to note that there are several varieties of basil "sweet basil", "african basil", boxwood basil", thai basil" etc. Thai basil is by far my favorite.

Smith Mt Lake Chic

Oct. 3, 2010 8:57 am

Try adding it in with your mixed salad greens - it's wonderful!

Oct. 3, 2010 8:20 pm

Basil actually derives its meaning from "basileus" the ancient Greek word for king. So basil is the king of the herbs.

sally2u

Oct. 13, 2010 6:56 am

I agree that once you've tasted fresh basil, the dried just won't do. I grew some this summer and have picked some to try and continue growing in pots throughout the winter.

Aunt Lala

Jan. 16, 2011 6:20 am

Thanks to everyone for all this info on basil! Going to look for different varities and plant it in the spring.

Doodersnana

Aug. 23, 2011 4:26 pm

Was lucky enough to find a beautiful combo container of Thai , Sweet and Boxwood this year ... have had more basil than I really know what to do with.

cori

Oct. 2, 2011 1:57 pm

I am a newbie growing Basil, what do you use to prevent worms & grasshoppers indulging on your sweet basil? I have tried diluted soapy water, but have found to be a temp. fix. Please help!

Maiden

Nov. 28, 2011 12:44 pm

Cori, never had that problem are you growing it in the garden? Try Potting it and put up on a sill or ledge, my plants are potted and grown around my deck railing in the summer. :) My only other suggestion is to grow inside. Also, I agree with Diana, Basil is the King of herbs. Definitely my favourite. LOVE the smell of fresh Basil in my kitchen let alone in almost everything I cook!

durangosinger

Mar. 10, 2012 6:40 pm

what is the conversion rate from fresh to dried, i.e., 1/4 cup equals how many t. and or T??

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