Brad's:

Latin name:  Ocimum basilicum

Common names:  Basil, Sweet Basil, Royal herb

History:

A member of the mint family, perhaps no other herb is more closely related to the Italians than is basil.  The symbol of love, it is given by a lover to their loved one as a token of their fidelity.   The poet, Keats, wrote a tragic love story entitled "The Pot of Basil".

In India the basil plant is revered as sacred and the Hindus plant a pot of basil as a symbol of reverence for their dead.  Originating in the region of Greece and Italy, it found its way to North America as early as the 1600s being cultivated in Newfoundland.

Growing:

Basil is a very hardy annual and will grow in practically all climates.  Most popular for growing in pots on the window-sill is the Italian Basil (Ocimum crispum) with light green leaves.  The tall varieties will grow to over 2' (60 cm) in height and width with delicate white flowers growing in spikes.  Basil may be planted in the ground after all danger of frost is past.  Basil enjoys dry, well drained soil with plenty of sun.  Plant seeds to a depth of 1/2 inch.   Germination takes only 7 days and the plant will grow rather rapidly.

Uses:

Primarily thought of as an ingredient to tomato recipes, basil can be eaten either fresh or cooked.  Cut basil into strips and embellish a tomato cut in half with these strips, a little mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar with olive oil drizzled over it all is a wonderful appetizer (Capri salad).

Comments from Your Host,   Brad

I enjoy using basil, quite often. Paul and I even named our boy cat Basil (his sister is Sage, cute no?).  I keep fresh basil on hand all the time for my sauces or just to put into a fresh salad (tear the leaves; don't cut).

Recipes using Basil:

Pesto

Herbed Pork Roast

Sweet Pepper and Basil Jelly

Know someone who would appreciate learning about this spice?

I would appreciate your passing it on!