plant profiles
Basil
We're all familiar with the intense, unmistakable fragrance of Basil. Whether wafting from a freshly opened container of pesto or gracing a summertime tomato sandwich, Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world. But it's not just a flavoring—it also has health benefits.
Basil is an annual herb grown for its aromatic leaves. Ocimum basilicum is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes other mints like oregano and thyme, and contains over 30 different varieties. Cinnamon basil, lemon basil, holy Basil or tulsi, and opal basil grow particularly well in hot and dry climates. In cooler temperatures, sweet Basil and Genovese basil are more common varieties.
Physical Description
Basil is used for its leaves, which are richly green and come in types, sizes, and shapes depending on the cultivar. Basil grows a thick, central taproot; its flowers are small and white and extend from a central spike that emerges from the center of the plant.
Which Parts to Use
The fresh leaves of Basil may be used in cooking as both a green (raw or cooked) or an herb (typically chopped into smaller pieces and added at the end of cooking). It has a mild flavor similar to oregano but a more pronounced aroma. It can be used in place of any other green herb like parsley or cilantro, or it can be used as a garnish. Basil is also used to make oils, teas, and vinegar.
Health Benefits of Basil
Basil leaves have a lot of culinary uses and health benefits. The plant is thought to aid digestion, support liver function, reduce oxidative stress, lower high blood sugar, and protect against anxiety and depression. In addition, it has been known to reduce swelling and inflammation and even combat infections caused by certain strains of bacteria.
Nutritionally, Basil contains calcium, vitamin A, beta carotene, lutein, and vitamin k.
Growing and Harvesting Tips
Basil is a warm-season annual that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It can be grown indoors or out, but it prefers to grow in soil enriched with compost or manure. Basil should be planted at least 6 inches apart so the plants can grow big enough to produce large leaves.
Basil needs plenty of water to thrive.
If you are growing it indoors, place the pots on trays filled with pebbles or gravel, so they can catch the excess water from watering your plant. In addition to regular watering, Basil also needs nutrients from fertilizer every two weeks during its growing season (the warmer months). If you are growing Basil outside, ensure good drainage in your garden bed before planting it.
Harvesting basil is easy! Pinch off leaves as needed for cooking or garnishing dishes—you will know when your plants have flowered because the flowers will appear first on the stems before turning into seeds.
Precautions and Possible Interactions
While Basil is generally safe for most people, there are some precautions and possible interactions to be aware of. The essential oil in Basil—which gives the leaves their aroma—can cause skin irritation in some people. It's wise to wash your hands thoroughly after handling Basil, or at least avoid touching your face or other sensitive areas.
Basil can also interact with several drugs, including some blood thinners and calcium channel blockers. If you're taking any medications, it's always best to check with a doctor before combining them with new substances.
History and Folklore
Basil was considered a symbol of love and fidelity in Ancient Greece and Rome. This led to the custom of giving a sprig of Basil as a gift when declaring one's devotion to another person. Pliny the Elder even described Basil as a "useful spice with many virtues," claiming that it appeases hunger and thirst.
In Medieval Europe, Basil was used as a medicinal herb to heal heart and liver ailments. In addition, the plant was believed to have magical properties that could protect against evil, and it was thought that placing a bunch of Basil under your pillow could prevent nightmares.
Additional Resources
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ocimum_basilicum
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172232/nutrients
