Basil is a spice that comes from the basil plant. Basil has been used as both food and medicine for centuries. There are many varieties of basil, but sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the most popular variety. Sweet basil has a slightly peppery flavor with hints of anise and spice.
What kind of spice is basil?
herbs
Basil, rosemary, and parsley are often found in a kitchen’s spice rack but actually qualify as herbs because they are aromatic leaves. Spices tend to be stronger in flavor than herbs, because they are made from crushed portions of plants that are especially rich in essential oils.
What spice is a substitute for basil?
Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
What is the spice basil used for?
The most common use of basil is for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto, or vinegars. But it also can be sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes, either whole or chopped. Actually, don’t chop the leaves, but tear them instead for the most flavor.
What family is basil in?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.
What flavor does basil add?
The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.
Is basil toxic?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
What herb is closest to basil?
Fresh oregano
What is this? Fresh oregano. This is the closest substitute when it comes to texture, flavor, and color. However, similar to basil, they could easily overpower the dish, so adjust to taste.
Can I use thyme instead of basil?
Basil. As it’s in the same family as thyme, feel free to use basil in place of thyme in many dishes. Fresh basil is very licorice-y and bright, so use half of the amount of fresh basil as you would fresh thyme, and a 1:1 swap for dried thyme.
What can I use if I don’t have dried basil?
Although no two herbs have exactly the same flavor profile, the following herbs are similar enough to dried basil that they may work in your recipe: oregano, tarragon, thyme, and savory. For an Asian dish calling for dried basil, you could also try substituting dried cilantro.
What is basil good to cook with?
Basil also goes well with fruit like watermelon, lime, lemon, mango and strawberries. Combine for variety of mouthwatering frozen treats.
What foods does basil enhance?
Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.
Does basil cause diarrhea?
If you’re not sure where the basil is from, you should avoid eating basil from Mexico. If you do not know what country it’s from, you should avoid eating any basil. Cyclospora is a parasite that usually causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Is there another name for basil?
Other Name(s): Albahaca, Basilic, Basilic Commun, Basilic Grand, Basilic Grand Vert, Basilic Romain, Basilic aux Sauces, Basilici Herba, Basilici Herba, Common Basil, Garden Basil, Krishna Tulsi, Munjariki, Ocimum basilicum, St. Josephwort, Surasa, Sweet Basil, Vanatulasi, Varvara, Visva Tulsi.
What is the common name of basil?
Basil (/ˈbæzəl/, also US: /ˈbeɪzəl/; Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints).
| Basil | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. basilicum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ocimum basilicum L. |
Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum.
Ocimum gratissimum.
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
Does basil make poop?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study.
Does basil have a strong taste?
It’s a robust herb, not bitter but definitely pungent. Fresh basil is strong and unique, a bit peppery with a hint of anise. It adds a real hint of freshness to anything you put it in.
Does basil taste like pepper?
1. Sweet basil/ Regular basil. Regular basil has a sweet and savory taste profile with peppery and minty undertones. Some also say it has a hint of anise.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.