Fresh and dried basil is used as a seasoning. It is added to meat and fish dishes, legumes, vegetables, soups. It goes well with fresh tomatoes, eggs, cheese, pizza, sauces. Pasta with basil and pizza with basil are especially tasty. In any form, the spice is used in the preparation of sauces, ketchups, dressings. For example, the most popular Italian pesto sauce is basil. Small dried leaves of the plant are added to improve the taste of pâtés and sausages. Used in the same way for smoking and canning. Basil is a spice that is used even in the alcohol industry. It is used to prepare liqueurs.
Most closely associated with Mediterranean cooking but also very prevalent in Asian food, the herb basil has a sweet, strong aroma and flavour. There are three main Mediterranean types: sweet, with large green leaves; Greek, with smaller leaves and a peppery undertone; and purple, whose dark leaves have a milder flavour.
Asian varieties include lemon basil, which has a citrus note and smaller leaves; Thai, like sweet basil, but stronger; and holy basil, spicy and intense, and unusual in that it’s best when cooked, rather than raw.
All year round, but grows best during July and August. Save on packaging by buying a pot from your garden centre or supermarket – it will live quite happily on a sunny windowsill.
Cook it
Pounded in a pestle and mortar or food processor with garlic, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil to make pesto; added to tomato-based pasta sauces; combined with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil for a classic Caprese salad; chopped and beaten into softened butter, then melted over steaks, roast chicken, or crushed boiled new potatoes.
Store it
Fresh cut basil should be wrapped in damp kitchen paper, placed in a perforated bag and stored in the fridge – it will last a day or two. Potted basil should be kept in a sunny but sheltered place (a windowsill is ideal) and watered regularly (but not too much, as that will dilute the flavour). As you pick leaves from it, more will grow, and the plant should last several months.
The useful properties of basil include the following:
Normalizes the nervous system, normalizes sleep. The plant, thanks to essential oils has bactericidal properties. Basil improves digestion and appetite. Has antipyretic properties. It is used to treat the oral cavity: to strengthen the gums, bad breath. Strengthens the immune system. The essential oils of basil moisturize the skin and hair. Great for relieving headaches.