However, due to its popularity, basil is cultivated in many countries around the world. Production areas include countries in the Mediterranean area, those in the temperate zone, and others in subtropical climates.
Where is basil most commonly used?
This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries. Ingredients that are complimented by the addition of basil include meats like chicken and beef, olive oil, eggs, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
What country is basil from?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb.
Which cuisines use basil?
Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.
What country makes the most basil?
About Basil Leaves:
North America is the largest region of Basil Leaves in the world in the past few years. Asia Pacific market took up 37.87% the global market in 2019, while Europe and North America were about 4.35%, 51.23%. McCormick, Litehouse, Fresh Origins, Frontier Natural Products, Herbs Egypt, etc.
Why is basil so popular in Italy?
In Italy, basil was once known as a symbol of love. In ancient times it was believed that placing basil leaves on insect bites would draw out the poison. It is thought that Alexander the Great bought basil to the Greece in 350BC and it then spread to the rest of the Mediterranean region.
What is basil called in India?
Tulsi
Basil also known as French Basil or Sweet Basil or Tulsi is an erect glabrous herb, 30-90 cm high is indigenous to India. The leaves of basil have numerous oil glands with aromatic volatile oil.
Is basil used in Italian cooking?
Basil. Basil (basilico, in Italian) is another major herb in Italian cuisine, like parsley. Though it is most commonly linked with Italian cooking, it actually came to Europe by way of the spice trade from India. Basil brings freshness to any dish, and pairs extremely well with cheeses, tomatoes, garlic, and lemon.
Why is basil called holy?
It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means “the incomparable one.” Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.
When was basil first used?
Origins of Basil
There are some indications that basil may have originated even farther east than India with ancient records from 807 A.D. suggesting that sweet basil was used in the Hunan region of China at that time.
Is basil used in Indian cooking?
Basil is not an herb that features in traditional Indian cooking, but, as Thai cuisine shows us, its pungent-sweetness can be divine in curries. My recipe today combines the complexity of basil with vibrant Indian spices, sweet coconut milk, and a vegetable that pairs beautifully with this herb: cauliflower.
Does Thai use basil?
Culinary uses
Thai basil is widely used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, including Thai, Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian cuisines. Thai basil leaves are a frequent ingredient in Thai green and red curries, though in Thailand the basil used in drunken noodles and many chicken, pork, and seafood dishes is holy basil.
Which leaf is used in pizza?
Fresh basil leaves are a staple in pizza Margherita, and for good reason. Next time you have a few basil leaves sprouting in your garden, consider adding a couple to your next pie if you have. With its licorice aroma, the herb lends a sweet, but fresh flavor to the dish.
Is basil in high demand?
The global basil leaves market is thriving due to increased demand for fresh herbs in a wide range of applications. Of them, food and pharmaceutical are key end-user industries showing significant demand in the market for basil leaves.
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.
Is basil & tulsi same?
As a result, tulsi is often referred to as basil or vice versa by the most of the consumers in the world. But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family.
Is it healthy to eat a lot of basil?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Which spice is most common in Italian cooking?
Parsley
Parsley. Perhaps the most frequently used herb in Italian cooking, parsley is a true team player, enlivening the flavors of everything around it. Although fresh parsley is sold in in both flat-leaf and curly varieties, Italians prefer flat-leaf (it’s often labeled Italian parsley, actually) for its more robust flavor.
Which herbs are considered Italian?
You may wonder what is in Italian Seasoning? The main herbs commonly used are oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary (many recipes contain marjoram but I rarely have it on hand so I make this Italian Seasoning without marjoram). I also include parsley, red chili flakes and garlic powder for additional zest and flavor.
What is tulsi in English called?
holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves.
How much does basil cost?
Basil is appealing to growers because of its consistent demand from consumers. Growers who produce basil during colder months are usually able to fetch higher prices when local outdoor crops are unavailable. In some areas of the country high end retailers sell basil for $3-$4 per ounce or $50-$60 per pound.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!