Basil - wonderful in cooking

The name basil means "be fragrant". In its history, some cultures have loved it, and other have almost hated it. For example, Americans and Romans loved it and Hindus plant it in their homes as a sign of happiness. On the other hand, in Greece many hated it and also Indians and Persions did not like it either.

One place where basil found great favour was Italy, of course: where it is used extensively in Italian cooking. And to this day, basil and tomato sauce are a combination which goe together like.... Love an dmarriage!

Basil grows easily as long as temperatures stay above 50 degrees centigrade. Basil like to be in full sunshine. It is popularly used both in the fresh form as well as the dried. Unusually in a herb, the longer basil simmers in a dish the more the flavor intensifies. This makes sense as to why people simmer their pasta sauces for so long, to bring out all of the rich herb flavors. Normally in pasta sauces Basil is used in combination with Oregano. However, Basil is not just used for pasta or tomato sauce, it is also used for flavoring fish, vegetables, meats, and soups.

If you decide to grow an herb garden, you can thank the Basil plants for keeping the flies away as flies are also part of the group that does not care for Basil. Another interesting fact about Basil is that it was considered a royal herb with a strong association pertaining to love. Basil had a relationship with how men of a much earlier time planned on proposing to their fair maidens. The man would bring a branch of Basil and if the woman accepted his gift she silently agreed to love him and be faithful to him for eternity.

Basil is related to the Mint family and just knowing that should give you a good idea that it will have many medicinal uses as well. Right away most people associate anything mint with aiding the digestive system and also for its anti gas properties. Herbalists use Basil quite commonly for health ailments such as stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches and anxiety. When Basil is used for these purposes it is generally made into a hot tea for drinking. Some also claim that a nice hot cup of Basil tea can contribute greatly to a good nights sleep. At herbal stores you can also purchase Basil capsules as well if you do not care for the taste of the tea.

Basil is one of the most commonly found herbs in the kitchen today. When used in its freshest form, Basil is torn from the plant and then just minced up quickly. It is wonderful on any salad; and to adorn a tricolore salad - avocado, tomato and mozeralla - it is perfect.