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Basil leaves widely range in size and appearance, depending on the specific variety, and average 3 to 11 centimeters in length with an oval to lanceolate shape. The leaf’s surface is smooth, broad, and flat with prominent veining, found in shades of bright green, dark green, and purple. The leaves also have even to serrated, jagged edges and are attached to fibrous, square stems. Basil leaves are highly fragrant and offer distinct aromas of anise, clove, citrus, cinnamon, and camphor due to a rich content of essential oils. The leaves can be harvested at multiple maturity stages, bearing different flavors with each variety, and generally have an herbal, sweet, and nutty taste with fresh licorice nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Basil, botanically a part of the Ocimum genus, is a general descriptor used to encompass many different varieties of aromatic herbs belonging to the Lamiaceae or mint family. The name Basil is derived from the Greek word basilikos, roughly translating to mean “herb worthy of a king,” and this title was given to the aromatic plant for its widespread use in medicinal and culinary applications worldwide. Ocimum basilicum, also known as Sweet Basil, is the most prevalent species commercially grown, and within the species, there are over 60 different varieties of Sweet Basil such as Dark Opal, Cinnamon, Globe, and Purple Basil. There are also well-known Basil hybrids, including Lemon and African Blue, and other Basil species such as Thai Basil grown for culinary and medicinal uses.
Nutritional Value
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient that assists in faster wound healing, and is a good source of iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen through the blood. The aromatic leaves also contain vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, calcium to strengthen bones, manganese to stimulate protein digestion, and antioxidants to provide anti-inflammatory properties to protect against free radical damage. Basil contains an aromatic fragrance and flavor due to essential oils such as linalool, methyl chavicol, and eugenol. Each essential oil will be found in varying levels in different Basil varieties, giving each type a unique flavor and scent.
Applications
Basil is an aromatic herb used whole, chopped, or crushed in a wide variety of savory and sweet preparations. The leaves are most commonly used raw and are lightly torn, tossed into green salads, chopped and mixed into grain, rice, and noodle dishes, or used as a fresh topping over pizza and pasta. Basil can also be layered on toast with creamy spreads, placed inside sandwiches, infused into oils and vinegar, or blended into sauces such as pesto. Beyond fresh applications, Basil can be sauteed into eggs, stir-fried with vegetables, stirred into soups and curries, or deep-fried and served with roasted meats. The herbs can also be incorporated into sweet dishes such as sorbet or ice cream and used as a topping over shortcakes, cookies, and tarts. In addition to the leaves, Basil flower buds are edible and can be mixed into salads, soups, and bowls. Basil pairs well with nuts such as pistachios, pine nuts, and walnuts, tomatoes, zucchini, corn, artichoke hearts, radishes, bell peppers, aromatics including garlic, onion, red onion, ginger, lemongrass, and shallots, fruits such as pears, strawberries, nectarines, peaches, watermelon, and mango, and other herbs such as mint, parsley, and cilantro. Basil should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor. Fresh leaves attached to stems can be placed in a glass of water and lightly covered in the refrigerator, where they will keep up to one week. Individual leaves can also be stored in between paper towels in a plastic bag, kept in the fridge for 2 to 4 days. For extended use, Basil can be frozen in airtight plastic bags. Basil can also be dried and used as a spice, but much of the aroma and flavor will be lost in the drying process.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Italy, Basil has transitioned over time from a symbol of hate to a symbol of love. During the Ancient Roman Empire, many gardeners believed Basil would grow to larger sizes if the plant were yelled at and cursed while cultivating. This aggression established the herb’s hateful reputation, but later in the mid 14th century, Basil became a symbol of love and death in the story of Lisabetta and The Pot of Basil. The emotional story is contained within The Decameron, a novel written by Giovanni Boccaccio, centered around two lovers caught in a secret affair, Lisabetta and Lorenzo. One night Lorenzo was killed by Lisabetta’s brothers, and in anguish, Lisabetta cut off her lover’s head and buried it in the bottom of a potted Basil plant. Lisabetta wept over the Basil daily, and through her tears, the plant flourished and became a symbol of her lost love. The story tragically ends with the Basil plant being taken away from Lisabetta, but the tale transformed Basil's hateful reputation into a symbol of love in Italian culture. In the Middle Ages, Basil was also worn in single women's hair as a symbol of their availability for romance and was thought to help bring them love.
Geography/History
Basil is native to regions of Africa and Asia and has been growing wild for over 4,000 years. The ancient herb was introduced to the Mediterranean in the early ages through trade routes and was used for religious, medicinal, and folkloric purposes in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Basil was eventually spread to England during the 16th century and North America in the 17th century. Newspaper documentation mentioning the sale of Basil in New York can be found dating back to the end of the 18th century, quickly establishing the herb as a cultivated variety. Today, Basil can be found growing in warm, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide, especially in Central Africa, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. The herbs are cultivated for commercial use, grown in home gardens, and are also still found growing wild.
Basil: In Italian culture, the herb basil underwent a symbolic transformation from hate to love. Once believed to thrive under angry curses in Ancient Rome, it became a symbol of love in the 14th century through the tale of Lisabetta and Lorenzo in Boccaccio's "The Decameron." The tragic love story linked basil to devotion, and during the Middle Ages, women wore it in their hair as a sign of romantic availability, further cementing its romantic association.
Sage Hill Ranch Gardens
Escondido, CA
Basil leaves are highly versatile and can vary greatly in size and appearance depending on the variety, measuring 3 to 11 centimeters in length with an oval to lanceolate shape. The leaves possess a smooth surface with shades ranging from bright green to purple, and their fragrance includes aromas of anise, clove, citrus, cinnamon, and camphor due to essential oils. Their flavor profile is sweet, herbal, and nutty, often accompanied by fresh licorice hints.
Her Produce
Sweet Basil from Her Produce. …Basil’s versatility extends to sweet dishes, where it can be incorporated into sorbets, ice creams, and used as a topping for shortcakes, cookies, and tarts. Its flower buds are edible and can add a subtle flavor when mixed into salads, soups, and grain bowls. Basil pairs exceptionally well with fruits like pears, strawberries, and peaches, as well as herbs like mint and cilantro, making it ideal for both savory and sweet creations.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
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(619) 295-3172
info@specialtyproduce.com
From JR Organics…Basil belongs to the Ocimum genus in the mint family and encompasses over 60 Sweet Basil varieties like Dark Opal and Purple Basil, along with hybrids like Lemon and African Blue. Its name originates from the Greek "basilikos," meaning "herb worthy of a king," signifying its importance in culinary and medicinal uses. Basil is rich in essential oils, including linalool and eugenol, contributing to its unique flavors and aromatic qualities.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172
info@specialtyproduce.com
Sweet Basil from Fresno Evergreen….Basil can be found growing in various climates worldwide, including warm, subtropical, and temperate regions such as Central Africa, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. By the late 18th century, Basil was documented as being sold in New York, marking its cultivation in North America. The herb is grown commercially, in home gardens, and even survives in wild settings globally.
Beautiful fresh Basil at Harris Farm Market in Brisbane , Australia….Basil's cultural history is rich and complex. In Italy, it shifted from being a symbol of hate to one of love, influenced by the tragic 14th-century story of Lisabetta and The Pot of Basil, found in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron." In the tale, a potted basil plant became a symbol of enduring love and loss. During the Middle Ages, single women even wore basil in their hair as a sign of openness to romance, reflecting the herb's association with love.
From Gaytan Family Farm…Basil leaves are known for their versatility in flavor and aroma, influenced by their rich content of essential oils. They can range in color from bright green to dark green and even purple. Their flavors evolve with maturity and variety, offering sweet, nutty, and herbal tastes, sometimes with licorice, anise, or cinnamon nuances. The smooth, oval leaves are attached to square stems and emit a distinct fragrance of clove and citrus.
From Archi's Acres…Basil: Basil is a versatile herb commonly used raw in salads, pasta, and pizza, as well as cooked into soups, curries, and egg dishes. Its flower buds are also edible and can enhance salads and soups. Basil pairs well with nuts, fruits like pears and strawberries, and herbs such as mint and cilantro. Fresh basil can last up to one week in water or between 2-4 days in the fridge; freezing preserves it better. Drying basil reduces its aroma and flavor.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172
info@specialtyproduce.com
Sweet Basil from Fresno Evergreen…Basil, part of the Ocimum genus in the mint family, is known as "herb worthy of a king" due to its versatile culinary and medicinal uses. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the most widely grown species, with over 60 varieties like Dark Opal and Purple Basil. Nutritious and aromatic, it features vitamin K, iron, and calcium, as well as essential oils like linalool and eugenol, providing distinct flavors, scents, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fresh basil at Trader Joe's Austin Texas …..Basil has a long history, originating in Africa and Asia over 4,000 years ago. It spread to the Mediterranean via ancient trade routes and was significant in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures for its medicinal and religious uses. By the 16th century, it reached England, and by the 17th century, North America. Its cultivation flourishes in warm and temperate climates globally, including the United States, where it is both commercially grown and found in home gardens.
is easiest, three is harder.
