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Basil

About the ingredient basil. Including 2,706 recipes with basil, nutrition data, photos, where it's found, and video.

 

What is basil?

Basil is normally used fresh in cooked recipes. It is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.

The dried herb also loses most of its flavour, and what little flavour remains tastes very different, with a weak coumarin flavour, like hay.

Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto—a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce. Its other two main ingredients are olive oil and pine nuts.

A popular technique is to "chiffonade" the basil.  Roll up the leaves and roll as if making a cigar.  Using a freshly sharpened knife slice the leaves cleanly.

Be careful to be gentle and avoid overly brusing the leaves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are 5 or 6 main varieties of basil a member of the mint family all differing in height color and taste. Each variety of this annual is very hardy and will grow in most climates.

The exact species determines leaf color ranging from light to dark green to purple White flowers are common to all appearing at the tops of the branches.

The basil most often used in the US is of the two tall varieties of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). Reaching a height of one to two feet its branches will spread out almost as far. Dwarf basil (Ocimum minimum) grows from six inches to one foot tall in either the green-leaf or the purple-leaf variety.

These can form small bushes making excellent garden borders. The French use them frequently in formal gardens.

All basil varieties have a unique fragrance and taste that add zest and flavor in cooking.

The word basil comes from the Greek basilikon meaning “royal” or “king.”

Whether its purple color. used in classical times by royalty, or its use in some royal preparation or medicine, inspired such an elevated name is unknown. Basil is native to the Middle East and the

 In India basil is called “tulasi”. The Hindus regard it as a sacred herb, cultivating it near temple and home as protection against the misfortunes of life and as a guide to heaven in death. Basil offered protection against the dread malaria, as well as the assurance of fertility to those desiring children. Beads were made of the root to adorn the neck and arms and a rosary was made from the seeds. 

A leaf of basil was placed on the breast of the pious Hindu in death. Good fortune comes to those who build their houses where “tulasi” grows well, but only evil to those who inadvertently uproot the holy herb.

Basil was “rayhan” to the Persians and could be found in cemeteries. Egyptians also regarded this herb as having a funereal symbolism.

For the ancient Greeks, basil appeared as a symbol of hatred, but present day Greeks have a different opinion, for one sees this fragrant herb happily growing in blue pots on window sills, all over their country.

We must thank the Italians for finding a happy use for this herb: with a sprig of basil tucked behind her ear or in her dress, the peasant girl sets out to win her sweetheart. Basil is called “amorino” in Turkey.

In Humania the enchanted herb, when given to a youth by a girl, makes him forever hers. This symbol of love takes on curative properties in Africa, where it is said that if one eats basil after a scorpion bite one feels no pain.

Sweet basil is a delicious culinary seasoning. It is useful in almost any dish that can be “herbed” and is especially pleasing including in seafoods, salads, potatoes and vegetable soup dishes that contain tomatoes.

Basil may be used fresh or dried. It makes a delightful, easily potted plant especially the purple variety.

 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 tbsp (5g)
Amount per Serving
Calories 1Calories from Fat 0
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g 0%
Trans Fat ~
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.2g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Sugars 0.0
Protein 0.1g
Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 1% Iron 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

Where found

Basil is usually found in the produce section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Basil is a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does basil weigh?

Amount Weight
2 tbsp 5 grams
5 leaves 2 grams

Spices and Herbs

In Chinese:罗勒
British (UK) term:
en français:basilic
en español:albahaca

Recipes using basil

There are 2706 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

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Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream recipe

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

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Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream recipe

Dave's Cream of Broccoli Soup

Dave's Cream of Broccoli Soup

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Dave's Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe

Zucchini stuffed with Savory Tofu Spread

Zucchini stuffed with Savory Tofu Spread

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Easy to cook, but also very healthy and tasty with Tofu Spread.

Yummy Gazpacho Soup

Yummy Gazpacho Soup

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Gazpacho Soup recipe

So Dood Gazpacho

So Dood Gazpacho

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Gazpacho recipe

Spiced Sweet Carrot Soup

Spiced Sweet Carrot Soup

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Sweet and Spicy Carrot Soup recipe

Mexican Pizza Grilled Cheese

Mexican Pizza Grilled Cheese

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Who doesn't like grilled cheese? Probably nobody, as far as I know everybody I know absolutely loves it. Quick, easy and delicious. Made this Mexican pizza grilled cheese for lunch, and needless to say, I was totally happy and satisfied. Here the recipe is.

Very Cheesy Casserole

Very Cheesy Casserole

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Packed with healthy whole-grain and cheesy goodness. 3 cheeses, feta, cottage and parmesan cheese plus beans and brown rice. This hearty casserole is tastes great and is loaded with nutritious healthful ingredients.

Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini

Bruschetta Hummus Stuffed Zucchini

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Topped with a simple bruschetta this is a perfect side dish to enjoy all summer.

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

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A cheesy and scrumptious side dish that goes perfect with mashed potatoes or any pasta dish.

Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup

Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup

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Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe

Olive and White Mushroom Soup with 3-colors Fusilli

Olive & White Mushroom Soup with 3-colors Fusilli

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Once upon a time I was reading a magazine article about good cooking. The journalist tried to convince me not to use some combinations of ingredients. One of the "banned" combinations mentioned was green and black olives. And so this soup was born to enjoy me.

Madelaine's Tomato Basil Soup

Madelaine's Tomato Basil Soup

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Madelaine's Tomato Basil Soup recipe

Yummy Falafel

Yummy Falafel

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Falafel recipe

Chilly Tomato Bisque Soup

Chilly Tomato Bisque Soup

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Chilly Tomato Bisque Soup recipe

Easy Cream of Tomato Soup

Easy Cream of Tomato Soup

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Easy Cream of Tomato Soup recipe

Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce

Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce

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This delicious spaghetti sauce is loaded with heart healthy ingredients. After trying this sauce, you will always skip the store-bought ones.

Falafel, Vegetarian Style

Falafel, Vegetarian Style

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Falafel, Vegetarian Style recipe

Herb Chili Burgers

Herb Chili Burgers

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Chili Burgers recipe

Cottage Cheese with Seaweed

Cottage Cheese with Seaweed

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A nice and healthy breakfast. Very good with a double mug of cocoa.

Best Meatballs and Spaghetti Sauce

Best Meatballs & Spaghetti Sauce

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Meatballs and Spaghetti Sauce recipe

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