Recipes
 Appetizers
 Barbecue - Grilling
 Beans - Grains
 Breads - Biscuits
 Candy - Snacks
 Canning
 Casseroles
 Cookies - Brownies
 Crock pot
 Desserts
 Drinks
 Ethnic Dishes
 Eggs - Dairy
 Fruits
 Garlic
 Holiday Favorites
 Low Carb
 Meat Dishes
 Pancakes - Muffins
 Pasta
 Pies - Pastries
 Pizza
 Salads
 Sandwiches
 Sauces - Marinades
 Seafood - Fish
 Side Dishes
 Soups - Stews
 Vegetables
 Vegetarian


Subscribe

Enter your email address

Spices & Herbs  
Basil, Sweet
Order Basil Online
Ground or Whole

Sweet Basil General Description
Basil is a bright green, leafy plant, Ocimum basilicum, which is in the mint family.
Geographical Sources
Basil is grown primarily in the United States, France, and the Mediterranean region.
Traditional Ethnic Uses
Basil is widely used in Italian cuisine and is often paired with tomatoes. It is also used in Thai cooking. The herb complements meat, vegetables, cheese, and egg dishes.
Taste and Aroma
Basil has a sweet, herbal bouquet.
History/Region of Origin
Basil originated in India and Persia, and was both prized and despised by ancient peoples. Though its name means, "be fragrant," Greeks hated it. However, the Romans loved it and made it a symbol of love and fertility and settlers in early America prized it. Today, Hindus plant it in their homes to bring happiness to the family.
A Few Ideas to Get You Started
Basil tastes great in tomato and pasta dishes but it is also gives a sweetscented, minty aroma when crumbled over baked chicken, lamb, or fish. It blends well with garlic, thyme, and oregano. Crush dried leaves with your hand or in a mortar and pestle to release the herb's flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon for 4 servings; add more to taste.


Allspice
Anise Seed
Arrowroot
Basil, Sweet
Bay Leaves
Caraway Seed
Cardamom
Cayenne Pepper
Celery Seed
Chervil
Chives
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Cream of Tartar
Cumin
Curry Powder
Dill Seed and Weed
Fennel Seed
Garlic
Ginger
Horseradish
Juniper Berries
Mace
Marjoram
Mint
Mustard Seed
Nutmeg
Onion
Oregano
Paprika
Parsley
Pepper
Poppy Seeds
Red Pepper
Rosemary
Saffron
Sage
Sesame Seed
Savory
Tarragon
Thyme
Turmeric
Vanilla

Search


Resources

 Book Store
 Bulletin Boards
 Channel
 Chat
 Conversions
 Dictionary
 Hints and Tips
 Kitchen Necessities
 Product Reviews
 Spices & Herbs
 Substitutions
 Techniques

 Buy Ads Now
 Awards Gallery
 Best of the Web
 Feedback
 Guest Book
 Privacy Policy