Basil

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a spice for a variety of foods. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs in the world since pesto sauce, which is a mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, became widely popular.

Basil has round, pointed green leaves. There are more than 60 varieties of basil that vary somewhat in appearance and flavor. While the taste of sweet basil is clean and sharp, other varieties also offer unique flavors: lemon, anise and cinnamon.

Basil grows in many regions around the world, but the first places where it appeared were India, Asia and Africa. It is a signature spice in many different cuisines around the world, including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Lao cuisine.

The name basil originates from the Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal" and reflects the attitudes of this ancient culture towards the herb, which they considered very noble and holy. The tradition of venerating basil is found in other cultures as well. In India, basil is kept as an icon of hospitality, while in Italy, it is a symbol of love.

A number of legends are associated with basil. In Egypt it was used to embalm the dead and in India it is believed to be dedicated to the god Vishnu, because it protects against a terrible mythical snake that can kill with just a look.

Growing Basil

Growing basil at home means that lovers of its fresh taste can plant it in their garden or in a pot instead of buying it from the store. If you want to plant basil, you must first buy seeds from a store. Plant them in a pot or box. Know that basil is heat-loving, so for the seeds to germinate, leave the pot in a warm place. The temperature should be around 15°C. Do not leave young basil without water.

Composition of basil

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium. 3 grams of basil contain 7.52 calories and 0.44 grams of protein.

Choosing and storing basil

Whenever possible, when choosing basil it is good to choose fresh basil rather than its dried form, as the fresh herb has higher taste qualities. Fresh basil leaves should look fresh and be deep green in color. One with dark leaf spots or a yellowish tinge should not be selected.

Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in kitchen paper or a slightly damp cloth. Basil can also be stored frozen.

Dried basil should be stored in a tightly closed glass container in a cool, dark, dry place where it can be kept fresh for about six months.

Since the oils contained in basil are highly volatile, it is best to add the spice towards the end of cooking to preserve its optimal flavor.

Culinary uses of basil

Basil is an indispensable spice in a number of dishes from Italian cuisine. It is used to season pizzas, roasted poultry and beef. As it became clear, the world-famous pesto sauce is prepared from it. Basil is included in the composition of many marinades and broths. It goes very well with beef and game meat, with potato and cabbage dishes. In combination with dill and tarragon, basil is part of the notorious balsamic vinegar.

Fresh basil is used to flavor fish and egg dishes. It is used to prepare the delicious tomato and mozzarella salad, as well as countless pastas. Italian cuisine would not be the same without basil.

Benefits of basil

A number of studies have shown the unique properties of basil to protect against a number of health problems, namely:

- DNA protection and antibacterial action. The unique spectrum of active ingredients called flavonoids contained in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and visenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and damage caused by the action of oxygen. In addition, taking basil provides protection against unwanted bacterial growth.

- Anti-inflammatory effects. Eugenol, a component of basil's volatile oils, has been the subject of extensive research because this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX), which has an inflammatory effect.

- Nutrients contained in basil are essential for cardiovascular diseases

Basil is a very good source of vitamin A (due to its concentration of carotenoids, such as beta carotene). It is called provitamin A because it can be converted to vitamin A, beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and not only it protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of many structures in the body, including blood vessels) from free radical damage, but also helps prevent free radical oxidation of cholesterol in the blood.

- Basil tea is very beneficial for consumption after a meal. It soothes an upset stomach and helps with ailments such as ulcers, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and even anorexia. In 250 ml of water, add 2 tbsp. basil leaves. The mixture is infused, then strained and drunk.

- Basil is very suitable for stimulating the appetite. A decoction of wine and basil is prepared, adding about two handfuls of the herb and a little honey to 1 liter of wine. The resulting decoction stays for up to a week, being shaken from time to time. After this period, the mixture is filtered and taken about half an hour before meals.

- The strong aroma of basil repels insects such as flies and mosquitoes. Very often basil oil is used precisely for this purpose, because they not only repel unpleasant insects, but also kill their larvae.

Folk medicine with basil

There are many recipes in folk medicine that suggest the use of basil to treat various conditions and health problems.

For gargling with tonsillitis, the decoction with basil is recommended, which is applied 2 times a day. For sexual weakness, drink a decoction of basil in combination with rosemary and sage every day.

To relieve a toothache, a basil decoction is made, to which vinegar and table salt are added (1 spoon each). Gargle with the resulting liquid.

Basil tea helps to deal with menstrual cramps, at the same time it is useful for stress and neuroses. The highly concentrated basil decoction has the ability to heal small wounds and cracks on the skin - it should be applied locally.

Washing the eyes with a decoction of basil helps to reduce the accumulated fatigue resulting from a lot of work and long hours in front of the computer.

Basil seeds are believed to help with weight loss if 1 tsp. of them is chewed in the morning on an empty stomach, taken with a larger amount of warm water.

Harms from basil

Although very healthy, basil still hides a dark side. Large quantities of the aromatic spice and preparations with it should not be taken for certain diseases and conditions.

Basil is contraindicated in the presence of diabetes mellitus, evidence of epileptic seizures, recent myocardial infarction, poor blood coagulation, tendency to varicose veins and already existing ones, aggravated gastrointestinal diseases.

Basil would also harm coronary heart disease, inflammatory processes in the brain, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If decoctions or preparations with basil are taken for the purpose of treatment, it should be borne in mind that the course should not last more than 20 days.

Before proceeding with any self-treatment with basil and decoctions, it is best to consult a doctor to avoid potential side effects.

However, taken in small doses, basil is completely harmless and adds an unique taste to dishes. Its aroma is unsurpassed, so do not deprive yourself of basil as a spice.