*Basil is a low growing perennial bush, and the name of many species in the genus Ocimum,of the mint family Lamiaceae, and is believed to be native to India and other Asian countries.

*The fresh, shiny, light green leaves of this plant are used as a seasoning herb.

*The aroma and flavor ranges from sweet to pungent.

*These leaves are used to flavor stews, soups, curries, salads, pasta, rice, meats and other vegetable dishes.

*The aroma, flavor, fragrance and medicinal properties of these leaves are due to the different essential oils present in the leaves.

*Different varieties or cultivars have different essential oils and are named according to the essential oil present in them. A few common varieties of basil among others are -

(1) Sweet basil – Has a strong clove like flavor that comes from the essential oil eugenol, and is used mainly in Italian dishes (pesto).

(2) Lemon basil – Has a lemony flavor that comes from the essential oil citral, and is used mainly in Indonesia to make salads.

(3) African blue basil – Has the aroma and flavor of camphor that comes from the essential oil, camphene.

(4) Licorice/Anise basil – Has aroma and flavor like the spice anise and it comes from the essential oil, anethole.

(5) Cinnamon basil – Has aroma and flavor like cinnamon due to the presence of essential oil, cinnamate.

(6) Purple basil – Has dark purple foliage and is used as an ornamental plant and also to color and flavor vinegar.

(7) Holy basil – Also called tulsi, has a lot of importance in Hinduism, and believed to have a variety of medicinal properties.

*To get maximum flavor, add fresh basil leaves, chopped or whole towards the end of the cooking time or just before turnign the heat off.

*The basil seeds become gelatinous when soaked in water, and are used in Ayurveda, Indian traditional medicine.

*Buying and storage: Select fresh, brightly colored bunch of leaves without any discoloration, wilting, slime or holes on the leaves. Pat them dry and wrap in slightly damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen after quickly blanching them in boiling water.

Is it raw?

Yes, all fresh leaves in the supermarket are raw and can be eaten raw in salads or just as is.

Health Benefits

1. Essential oils present in basil leaves – linalool, cineole, eugenol, limonene, etc – have antibacterial properties. They inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to anti-bacterial drugs.

2. These essential oils also have anti-inflammatory effect. They provide symptomatic relief from inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.

3. The flavonoids present in basil leaves – orientin and vicenin – protect the cells from free radical damage.

4. Very good source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, results in smooth radiant skin.

5. Moderate source of Vitamins C and E, which along with beta-carotenes acts as antioxidants, scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity of cell membranes and prevent the damage caused by them.

6. Good source of magnesium that helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension, soreness in muscles.

7. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, atherosclerosis, etc due to presence of good amounts of magnesium that relaxes the blood vessels.

8. Good source of folic acid, which is promotes a healthy heart. It prevents the accumulation of homocysteine, an intermediary metabolite of protein metabolism, which promotes atherosclerosis by reducing the integrity of blood vessel walls and by interfering with the formation of collagen.

9. Moderate source of other B-group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6 that are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods.

10. Good source of other minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

11. Moderate source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.