Basil - Fresh from the Garden

Bert Basil is so versatile!
You're just gonna love him!

Oh yummm. I just love cooking Italian. Does anyone smell garlic?

Basil, an annual member of the mint family, is well-known for its use in Italian cooking. Its characteristic flavor is also found in many Thai dishes.

Basil is native to India, Africa, and Asia. It loves warm weather and thrives in its native tropical environments, as well as summer gardens elsewhere. Basil can be pot-grown for your kitchen garden.

Basil is a digestive aid; its oils are slightly anti-bacterial and antagonistic to worms. In addition, basil protects against free radical damage, therefore it has some anti-cancer properties.

Basil is generally regarded as having warming energy.

Please see your health provider for guidance on your own health program.

Sprinkle a few fresh chopped basil leaves directly in your green salad for a fresh bite of flavor. It's also excellent when paired with tomatoes, either fresh or in a spaghetti sauce.

Basil is well-known as the major ingredient in a traditional Italian pesto.

Basil — Try this: For the ultimate flavor, pound about a cup of basil leaves with a mortar and pestle. Then add pine nuts (the more economical walnut may be substituted), garlic, parmesan cheese, and a little olive oil. Continue pounding & tasting until the paste achieves your desired consistency. Serve over freshly-cooked pasta, with a little additional olive oil and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan to taste. While the flavor won't be quite so authentic, a food processor may be substituted for the mortar and pestle for easier preparation.

Next: meet Cecil Cilantro. I hear he's quite the traveler!

Or go back to Veggie Personalities.