basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uf9q6GrZ_4o
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 is the local name for basil leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ocimum gratissimum L. |
What is basil good for?
Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. heart disease, and bowel issues. Basil has antibacterial properties.
How common is basil?
Basil is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the “king of the herbs”.
What is the local name for basil in Nigeria?
In the Yoruba language, it is called Efirin, and in the Nothern part of Nigeria the Hausa’s call it Daidoya.
Is basil a parsley?
But what is the difference between basil and parsley? Basil, which has large, rounded leaves, adds an almost minty freshness to both sweet and savory recipes. Parsley has small, jagged leaves and has a more bitter, grassy, and almost spicy flavor that subtly brightens savory dishes.
Is basil a mint?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb belonging to the Lamiaceae plant family. If you’re familiar with botanic terms, you’ll probably notice that the Lamiaceae family is also called the “mint family”. In other words, basil and mint are (in a way) related to one another.
How do I eat basil?
Here are some other everyday ways to use it:
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping!
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 safe to eat?
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).
Is basil a herb or spice?
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 part of basil do we eat?
Safe for Human Consumption
Basil is one of many herbs in which both the flowers and the foliage are edible. Like many pesto enthusiasts, you probably pinch the blooms from your basil plants to encourage lusher leaf growth.
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.
What is the Igbo name for basil leave?
NaijaFood. English: False cubeb leaves. Igbo: Uziza leaves.
What is the Yoruba name of basil leave?
Basil plant – Nchanwu in Yoruba.
Is curry leaf and basil the same?
Basil is quite sweet and floral when it comes to aroma so it really needs some contrast to offer the same combo of tastes as curry leaves do. It has a fresh, aromatic, and minty flavor and adding some lemon juice can help to give it a tang and some lemon zest for the citrusy taste.
What is the local name for parsley leaf?
Petroselinum crispum (parsley)
Is oregano and basil the same?
From a botanical standpoint, oregano is a cousin to basil since both of them belong to the minty Lamiaceae family. You may also hear some people call it “wild marjoram”. Regardless of the name, oregano is a prominent culinary herb in Mediterranean cuisine.
Which is better parsley or basil?
Basil has a higher amount of Vitamin B6, which is 72%, whereas Parsley has 14% vitamin B6. Basil contains 7% Vitamin B5, 1556% Vitamin K, 90% Vitamin C, and 317% Vitamin A. Parsley has 665% Vitamin C, 6150% Vitamin K, 506% Vitamin A. All these vitamins make them great for our health.
What does basil look like?
Basil leaves are solid and oblong with a point at the end. The leaves of common sweet basil have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long. The leaves often have a slight curve downward with a slightly bumpy or grooved appearance along the veins in the leaves.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.