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Basil

Also Known As : Tulasi, Tulasii, Amli, Basilicum, Basilik, Basilico, Tulsi
Technical Name : Ocimum basilicum
Can Eat 1

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It imparts a sweet peppery flavour that falls to be subtle on our palate.

Usage Tips

  1. Its available both fresh and dried ones, the fresh basil should be wrapped in a dam[p cloth and then refrigerated. While the dried one should be stored in an airtight container.
  2. It is widely used in Italian cuisine and is generally brought into the picture at the end of the cooking due to the fact that basils should not come in contact with high heat and that too for long cooking as that might destroy the very flavour.
  3. It is widely used in pizza, pasta, pesto pasta, salads, etc.

Common names and forms

  1. Basil Leaves
  2. Chopped Basil Leaves
  3. Fresh Basil
  4. Fresh basil leaves
  5. Organic Basil

Description

Basil is regarded as one of the most widely used herbs in the culinary world and supposedly runs the gamut in the kitchen. It has a varied usage, from savoury to sweet it is well known for its characteristic flavour. Although it is said that it draws its origin from the Indian subcontinent, but its availability and usage is seen all across the globe, as it swiftly got spread in the west. In India, it is indigenous to the lower hills of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh With a wide reach in the culinary world, different varieties of basil are said to be used in the cuisine of different places like the sweet basil is very much in use in Italian cuisine. Some of the varieties of basil are sweet basil, cinnamon basil, clove basil, lemon basil, holy basil. Apart from its use in the culinary world, it is also said to be of great potency in the Ayurvedas. Basil generally is a green leafy plant with distinct physical traits that makes it unique. It is fond of heat but dies if hit by a frost, that is it develops well in a humid climate and hence cannot withstand frost.

Health benefits

  • It has a cancer fight ability, as the holy basil is said to be loaded with phytochemicals, thus has great potential to fight off skin, oral, liver and lung cancer.(1)
  • Reduces the effects of oxidative stress; this is because it falls in the category of herbal medicine that is an adaptogen, which helps the body to adapt to stress.(1)
  • Basil is known for its anti-bacterial properties, thus it provides an immense protection against the growth of bacteria in the body.(2)
  • It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory because it contains eugenol, linalool, citronellol, etc, that inhibits enzymes that have the potency to fight off heart-related ailments, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.(2)

Selection Guide

Always go for the fresh one as it is more flavoursome and aromatic. Hence the fresh ones should be green and leafy without any blemishes and spots.

Note

There is no said side effects of basil, but it might trigger allergy on some people, therefore it should be consumed in moderation.(3)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425.php

(2,3) https://www.lybrate.com/topic/basil-benefits-and-side-effects

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”