What Is Basil and How Can I Use It?

Basil is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store it, what to substitute, and 2,687 recipes to get you started.

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.

basil

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.

basil

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.

basil

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.

recipeland.com/nutrition

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

Allspice 904 Allspice berries 37 Star anise 178 Aniseed 23 Bay leaves 2049 Caraway seeds 321 Cardamom pods 100 Cardamom seeds 317 Celery seeds 283 Chervil 65

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

Recipes using basil

There are 2687 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

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 recipe

Sausage & Broccoli Minestrone Soup

Warm up with this hearty yet thrifty sausage and broccoli minestrone soup. An easy comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for chilly days.

Dave's Cream of Broccoli Soup

Lighter cream of broccoli soup using skim evaporated milk and sauteed leeks for body, finished with fresh basil and a hint of nutmeg. A leaner take on the diner classic.

Zucchini stuffed with Savory Tofu Spread

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

Chilled Tomato Carrot Soup

This chilled tomato carrot soup blends fresh tomatoes and sweet carrots with basil, thyme, and a whisper of nutmeg into a silky cold soup for hot summer days. Simmered, pureed, then served ice-cold with a splash of milk for creamy body.

Yummy Gazpacho Soup

No-cook chunky gazpacho with crushed and diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and a triple citrus-vinegar punch. Vegan, gluten-free, ready in 10 minutes plus chill.

So Dood Gazpacho

Classic chilled gazpacho, the no-cook Spanish soup of ripe tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, and onion blended with tomato juice and a splash of wine. Light, refreshing, vegan, and ready in 10 minutes.

Spiced Sweet Carrot Soup

Chilled carrot soup blended with orange juice, fresh nutmeg and chicken broth. A bright, low-calorie warm-weather starter served cold with an orange slice and mint. Six ingredients, blender-easy.

Mexican Pizza Grilled Cheese

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

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

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

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

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 uses blended raw cashews and potatoes for body, no dairy required. Silky, plant-based, and ready in 35 minutes.

Olive & White Mushroom Soup with 3-colors Fusilli

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.