Basil is a very popular culinary herb today, but in ancient times it had a very mixed reputation. It was loved by the Romans, and the Hindus planted it in their homes as an indicator of happiness. In contrast, the Greeks did not like it at all, and neither did the Indians and Persians. One country in which it remains very popular today is Italy, and many Italian recipes include basil.
Basil is commonly used in conjunction with tomato and/or when making pasta sauces, and it is used in both the fresh and dried forms. The flavour can be intensified by simmering it for longer periods, which is why pasta sauces are generally simmered for long periods. It is popularly used both in the fresh form as well as the dried. Although basil is especially popular in pasta sauces, it is also used for flavouring other dishes such as vegetables, soups and fish.
Basil is easy to grow, providing the temperature remains above 50 degrees and there’s plenty of sunlight. It’s also a good addition to herb gardens, since it help to keep flies away, as they don’t like the herb. A further interesting fact about Basil is that it used to be seen as a royal herb, and was strongly associated with love. When a man was wanting to propose marriage, he would offer the woman a branch of basil, and if she accepted, she was silently agreeing to love him and be faithful to him for eternity.
As well as its use in cooking, basil, like many other herbs, also has medicinal uses. It related to the mint family, and mint is well known for the ways in which it can aid the digestive system, and for reducing gas. Basil too is sometimes used for disorders such as stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches and anxiety. Basil is normally taken in the form of a tea, although you can also buy basil capsules in health shops and herbal supply stores – these are a good choice for those who dislike the taste of basil tea. The tea is also believed by some to promote a restful night’s sleep.
Basil is one of today’s most popular household herbs, and is almost an essential for anyone interested in the art of cooking. Many people like to use basil leaves fresh from the plant, although it’s also available in dried and paste forms. All in all, basil is a very versatile herb and it’s hard to imagine doing without it.
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