What are the side effects of Basil?
Basil has anti-aging effects. Side effects of basil. What are the side effects of basil? Larger amounts of eugenol can cause liver damage. An overdose is also possible, causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat or convulsions.
Is Basil good for health?
Health Benefits Of Basil – The Advantages For Health Of This Super Herb:
- DNA Protection. This is very first of health benefits of basil that you should know. ...
- Anti-Bacteria Properties. Basil has shown to provide protection against harmful bacterial growth. ...
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects. ...
- Promote Cardiovascular Health. ...
- Fight Cancer. ...
- Help Alkalize The Body And Improve Digestion. ...
- Protect From Diabetes And Metabolic Syndrome. ...
What is the nutritional value of Basil?
Fragrant fresh basil, for instance, offers a healthy dose of blood-clotting vitamin K-- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil provide 27% of the RDA -- as well as vitamin A, manganese, and magnesium.
What is Basil and how is it used?
Overview. Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
Is fresh basil a spice?
A staple in Southern European food, basil is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. It adds a delicately sweet flavor and warm aroma to savory dishes, and naturally combines with garlic, capers and tomatoes.
Is basil Leaf a spice?
Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa. It's a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist. Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is also used in teas and supplements which may provide a range of health benefits.
Is it an herb or spice?
In broad terms both herbs and spices come from plants but herbs are the fresh part of the plant while spice is the dried root, dried stalk, seed or dried fruit of the plant and is almost always dried not fresh.
Is basil a spice or vegetable?
Basil is absolutely a vegetable. Likewise, many soft-stemmed herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, and dill are considered vegetables.
What is considered a spice?
A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish.
What classifies an herb?
Definition of herb 1 botany : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season. 2 : a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities planted parsley, basil, and rosemary in her herb garden.
Are all herbs spices?
Oh, at first the categories seem distinct enough: herbs are leafy things, like basil, tarragon, thyme, and cilantro; and spices are seeds, either whole or ground, like coriander, cumin, and anise.
Is mint a spice or herb?
Spices are parts of the plant other than the leafy bit such as the root, stem, bulb, bark or seeds. Examples of herbs include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley and mint.
Is parsley a spice?
One of the most versatile herbs used in Middle Eastern cooking is, without a doubt, parsley. It is commonly used as a garnish, but more popularly used as a spice. There are two main varieties of parsley: curly leaf and flat leaf.
What are examples of spices?
A spice can come from the root, stem, seed, fruit, flower or bark of the tree or plant. Examples are cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, star anise, and tumeric.
What's the difference between spices and seasonings?
A spice is an aromatic substance derived from the root, bark, seed, leaves, or fruit of a plant, and it's meant to enhance the flavor of food. A seasoning is any blend of salts, sugars, and spices used for the same purpose, and it consists of multiple ingredients.
Is ginger a spice or a herb?
Is ginger a spice or an herb? Ginger is listed as an herb in many culinary recipes while others classify it as a spice. Some call dried ginger powder a spice while calling the fresh root version an herb.
What is basil used for in Italian?
Back to Top. Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.
How many varieties of basil are there?
There are over 60 varieties of basil, some of which are red or purple, and each has its own distinct flavor. Sweet basil is the most popular and common variety, and there are several types of sweet basil available. Thai basil is also called for in many recipes because of its anise-like flavor. It is distinguishable from sweet basil by its purple ...
Why is basil pesto brown?
However, the stems and large veins contain compounds that will cause pesto to turn brown and dark, so it is best to remove them when making the herb sauce. For the most intense flavor, fresh basil should be added at the end of the cooking process. Prolonged heat will cause basil's volatile oils to dissipate.
What is the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil?
Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
How long can you keep basil in a jar?
The cubes are best added to soups and stews. Dried basil should be kept in the cool, dry place and used within six months. Keep in mind that the jar could have been on the grocery store shelf for quite some time, so it is best to use as quickly as possible.
How to store fresh basil?
How to store fresh basil depends on what form you have purchased. Fresh basil leaves should be kept in the refrigerator layered in damp paper towels and stored in a plastic bag where they will last up to four days. Basil with the stems can be placed upright in a jar of water, with the leaves covered by a plastic bag (secured to the top of the jar). In the refrigerator, they will last up to a week; make sure to change the water daily. Leave a plant in a sunny spot and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
What is Thai basil?
Thai basil is also called for in many recipes because of its anise-like flavor. It is distinguishable from sweet basil by its purple stems and sturdy leaves. Other varieties are named for the way they smell or taste, such as lemon basil, cinnamon basil, and spicy bush basil.
Why is basil called basil?
The name "basil" comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν ( basilikón phutón ), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes . The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's venom.
Where does basil come from?
Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide.
How many varieties of basil are there?
Ocimum basilicum has at least 60 varieties, which further complicates taxonomy. Most basils are cultivars of sweet basil.
What causes basil to turn black?
Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce yield. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill younger basil plants. Seedlings may be killed by Pythium damping off. A common foliar disease of basil is gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea; it can cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant. Black spot can be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the fungi genus Colletotrichum. Downy mildew caused by Peronospora belbahrii is a significant disease, as first reported in Italy in 2004. It was reported in the U.S. in 2007 and 2008.
What is the most common basil plant in the Mediterranean?
The most commonly used Mediterranean basil cultivars are "Genovese", "Purple Ruffles", "Mammoth", "Cinnamon", "Lemon", "Globe", and " African Blue ". The Chinese also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods. In Taiwan, people add fresh basil leaves to thick soups.
Why does basil have a distinct scent?
The various basils have such distinct scents because the volatile aromatic compounds vary with cultivars. The essential oil from European basil contains high concentrations of linalool and methyl chavicol (estragole), in a ratio of about 3:1. Other constituents include: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and myrcene, among others.
Why do you pick basil leaves off of tomatoes?
Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote growth , largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems. Basil is popularly recommended as a companion plant to the tomato. Common claims are that basil may deter pests or improve tomato flavor.
What is basil used for?
Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods, basil is used for flavor.
Is basil essential oil safe to use on the skin?
When applied to the skin: Basil essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in concentrations of up to 6% for 12 weeks. When inhaled as aromatherapy: There isn't enough reliable information to know to know if basil is safe or what the side effects might be. Special Precautions and Warnings.
Is basil safe for breast feeding?
Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Does basil oil cause liver cancer?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.
Is basil oil safe to eat?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
What is basil used for?
Common uses of basil. Basil is most widely used in Italian cuisine and Mediterranean pasta dishes. This herb is particularly well-known for its role as the main ingredient in pesto, a popular sauce that is made using a flavorful mixture of basil, parmesan cheese and pine nuts.
What are the benefits of basil?
While the various chemical compounds found in basil provide a wealth of health benefits and medicinal uses, the most popular and widely known include the following: 1 Helps to clear skin blemishes 2 Promotes overall good health 3 Alleviates stress & balances mood 4 Helps to detoxify the liver 5 Has powerful anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties 6 Helps to slow the aging process 7 Protects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) & other diseases of the eye 8 Promotes production of essential clotting factors in the blood 9 Useful in developing & maintaining bone strength 10 Helps the body maintain optimal heart rate & blood pressure 11 Relieves nausea & indigestion 12 Relieves pain & discomfort associated with inflammatory bowel conditions, rheumatoid arthritis & osteoarthritis
Why is basil important to the human body?
Basil is extremely rich in many vitamins, nutrients and minerals that are necessary for the human body to function at its best.
Where is basil grown?
Today, Egypt and the United States are the primary countries in which basil is grown and exported. Surrounded by rich folklore, renowned for uses both culinary and medicinal and named for the Greek word meaning ‘king’, basil is indeed considered by many to be the ‘King of Herbs’.
Can you use fresh basil on spice rack?
With its many uses, this King of Herbs is an absolute staple in any kitchen. Whether you choose to use fresh basil or keep dried ground basil on your spice rack, you’re sure to find that this is one herb you reach for again and again as you cook.
What is the difference between herbs and spices?
Oh, at first the categories seem distinct enough: herbs are leafy things, like basil, tarragon, thyme, and cilantro; and spices are seeds , either whole or ground, like coriander, cumin, and anise. ...
What is an herb?
Botanically, an herb is a seed-producing plant that dies down at the end of a growing season. These herbs, which can be annuals, biennials, or perennials, are contrasted with bushes and trees, which develop woody tissue that persists over a series of growing seasons.
What is the spice of a purple crocus?
But then we have saffron, the fantastically expensive spice that is the whole or ground stigmas of a purple crocus flower, and cloves, which are dried flower buds. But not all flowers get the spice treatment: nasturtiums and orange flowers are sometimes found in the "herb" category.
Where does salt and pepper come from?
It comes from an Indian vine that produces berries that when dried and ground up sometimes wind up in a cute pepper shaker.
Is a banana tree a herb?
The consequences of this "herb" designation can be a bit shocking: the towering thing we commonly call a banana tree (which can grow to 20 feet) is technically an herb because it dies down (or in cultivated banana plants is typically cut down) after it produces its single bunch of bananas.
Is garlic a spice?
Rhizomes and bulbs (ginger and garlic are these respectively, and more visibly so in the form we find them in the produce aisle) are also typically considered spices, especially when in their dried powder forms.
Is bark a leaf or a seed?
But we think of both as living in the spice aisle. Bark is also neither leaf nor seed, nor is it fruit, but when it's a particularly prized bark like the bark of a tree of the genus Cinnamomum it's used as a spice: cinnamon.
What is the most common type of basil?
The most familiar type of basil for westerners is commonly known as sweet basil. While sweet basil does have a lot in common with other types of basil, it is not exactly the same as Thai basil and others of the 100 or so members of the basil family.
What family is basil in?
It is a highly aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family and that is readily available in most grocery stores.
How long does fresh basil last in the refrigerator?
When you need to give one of your dishes the flavor of basil, simply pop one of the cubes into it. If you only need it to last a few days, fresh basil can be stored upright in a container of water in the refrigerator like a bouquet of flowers. This herb is also usable when dried.
Can you use holy basil in Indian dishes?
Indian dishes may benefit from the use of holy basil. Do add basil at the right time. Basil is well known for its strong aroma; however, that aroma can disappear relatively quickly as the herb is cooked. Basil does not stand up to long cooking times very well when compared to other herbs like oregano or thyme.
When to add fresh basil to a salad?
Some experts recommend adding fresh basil as late as the last 60 seconds of cooking. Do store basil correctly.
Can you cut basil leaves with a knife?
Don’t cut your basil with a knife if you can help it. Instead, it is often better to tear the leaves. A knife’s edge will blacken your basil, which will make it less attractive in raw preparations. Some people also believe that cut basil is less flavorful than torn basil. Don’t use basil outside of the summer.
Is basil a good herb to use in cooking?
Basil is familiar to many, and versatile in that it pairs well with most other common culinary herbs as well as a large number of savory ingredients. While this versatility makes it relatively easy to use, it is still possible to make mistakes. Follow the tips below for the best results when cooking with basil.
Varieties of Basil
Fresh vs. Dried
- Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried basil when substituting it for fresh. For example, one tablespoon of fresh chopped basil equals 1 teaspoon dried.
What Does It Taste like?
- The taste of basil will depend on the variety. Sweet basil has a fresh aroma with a subtle peppery flavor and a hint of mint. Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
Cooking with Basil
- Before using, basil should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish. Thicker stems and stalks should be discarded because they tend to be bitter, but it is okay to include the small stems in dishes. However, the stems and large veins contain compounds that will cause pesto …
Recipes with Basil
- Basil is often paired with tomatoesas it helps to mellow out some of the acidity. In addition to pesto, basil is used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. 1. Cucumber, Basil, and Tomato Salad 2. Basil Butter Smothered Lobster Tails 3. Strawberry Basil Sorbet
Where to Buy Basil
- Fresh basil is readily available in most supermarkets and can be found in the produce section packed in plastic clamshell containers or sold as full plants. When buying fresh basil, look for bright green leaves that are not browning or dried on the edges. Dried basil is sold in jars and found in the spice aisle. It is easy to grow your own basil, whether in the garden or a pot on the windowsill. Pinching back the flowers will encourage more leaf growt…
Storage
- How to store fresh basil depends on what form you have purchased. Fresh basil leaves should be kept in the refrigerator layered in damp paper towels and stored in a plastic bag where they will last up to four days. Basil with the stems can be placed upright in a jar of water, with the leaves covered by a plastic bag (secured to the top of the jar). In the refrigerator, they will last up to a week; make sure to change the water daily. Leave a plant in a s…
Overview
Basil , also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as sweet basil or Genovese basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, however, basil can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Me…
Etymology
The name "basil" comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes. Basil is likewise sometimes referred to in French as "l'herbe royale" ('the royal herb'). The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's venom.
Description
Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between 30 and 150 cm (1 and 5 ft). Its leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar. Leaf sizes range from 3 to 11 cm (1 to 4+1⁄2 in) long, and between 1 and 6 cm (1⁄2 and 2+1⁄2 in) wide. Basil grows a thick, central taproot. Its flowers are small and white, and grow from a cent…
Taxonomy
The exact taxonomy of basil is uncertain due to the immense number of cultivars, its ready polymorphy, and frequent cross-pollination (resulting in new hybrids) with other members of the genus Ocimum and within the species. Ocimum basilicum has at least 60 varieties, which further complicates taxonomy.
Most basils are cultivars of sweet basil. Most basil varieties have green leaves, but a few are purple, such as, 'Purple Delight'.
Cultivation
Basil is sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. It behaves as an annual if there is any chance of a frost. However, due to its popularity, basil is cultivated in many countries around the world. Production areas include countries in the Mediterranean area, those in the temperate zone, and others in subtropical climates.
In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South Island of New Zeala…
Uses
Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. 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 most commonly used Mediterranean basil cultivars are "Genovese", "Purple Ruffles", "Mammoth", "Cinnamon", "Lemon", "Globe", and "African Blue". Basil is one of the main ingredien…
Culture
There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed basil would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on. Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting. However, Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper saw basil as a plant of dread and suspicion.
In Portugal, dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together with a poem and a paper
See also
• Basileus
• List of basil cultivars