What Is It?
Basil is a lovely, vibrant green, quintessential summer herb that is usually used as a flavor enhancer especially in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines. There are many varieties of basil from the common sweet basil to Thai basil and holy basil. There are also new varieties that I try to grow in my herb garden every year like cinnamon basil or purple basil. The colors are gorgeous!
Where To Find It?
- Sweet basil is very commonly found in the produce section of supermarkets, especially in the summer.
- Of course, you will have no problem finding dried sweet basil in the spice section (but it really is not the same!).
- Thai basil is essential for most Southeast Asian stir fries and curries. This is a little harder to find – I like to grow mine in the summer. Try your local oriental stores to see if they might carry Thai basil.
- Holy basil (Tulsi) has a completely different and distinctive aroma and taste. Most health supplements and herbal teas use the holy basil variety. While it is really rare to see fresh holy basil in the western world, it is very common in India and Asia.
Health Benefits
Both sweet basil and holy basil have many health benefits. Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine as well as common home remedies rely on basil for its many medicinal properties. Some of the health benefits are:
- Helps improve blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Reduces memory loss and depression.
- Supports stroke recovery.
- Is an effective blood thinner.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Prevents certain cancers.
- Has anti-bacterial properties and helps prevent tooth decay.
- Works as an antibiotic to fight infectious diseases.
Read all about this fresh and fragrant herb in this article – Basil: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Uses and More.
Culinary Uses
Basil is used in so many different ways in cooking:
- Summer salads would not be the same without basil – tomato and basil is a match made in culinary heaven. Caprese salad is one of the simplest to put together but oh so addictive!
- When my garden produces more basil than I know what to do with, its pesto time! I make this sauce in large quantities and freeze some in ice cube trays for use later in the winter. Don’t worry if you don’t have pine nuts. I have made it with walnuts, with and without cheese, and it is amazing – regardless of the variations!
- Italian pastas would be naked without a heavy dose of fresh basil! Perfect on pizzas and blended into sauces, this is one ingredient that is sure to make you close your eyes with pleasure when you take a sniff!
- Thai fried rice or any good Thai curry must have a generous amount of Thai basil for that quintessential flavor.
- Here are some fun drink recipes to try that feature fresh basil – perfect for that summer cocktail!