Basil

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Basil is a very fragrant plant, whose leaves are used as a spice for various types of food. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs in the world since pesto sauce, a blend of basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, became widely popular.

Basil has round, pointed leaves in green. There are more than 60 varieties of basil, which differ to some extent in appearance and taste. 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 typical spice for many different cuisines around the world, including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisines.

The name basil comes from the Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal" and reflects the attitudes of this ancient culture to the herb, which they consider very noble and sacred. The tradition of reverence for basil is found in other cultures. 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 doomed to the god Vishnu because it protects against a terrible mythical snake that has the ability to kill with just a glance.

Growing basil

Growing basil at home, so lovers of its fresh taste can plant it in the 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. Sow them in a pot or box. Know that basil is heat-loving, so leave the pot in a warm place for the seeds to germinate. The temperature should be around 15 degrees. Do not leave young basil without water.

Basil composition

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.

Selection and storage of basil

Whenever possible, at the choice of basil it is good to choose fresh basil and not its dried form, as the fresh herb has higher taste qualities. Fresh basil leaves should look fresh and be deep green. You should not choose the one with dark spots on the leaves or a yellowish tinge.

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

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

As the oils contained in basil are highly volatile, it is best to add the spice towards the end of cooking and this will preserve its optimal taste.

Culinary use of basil

Basil is an indispensable spice in many dishes of Italian cuisine. Used for seasoning pizzas, roast poultry and beef. As it became clear from it, the world-famous Pesto sauce is prepared. Basil is part of many marinades and broths. It goes very well with beef and venison, with potato and cabbage dishes. In combination with dill and tarragon, basil is part of the well-known balsamic vinegar.

Fresh basil is used to flavor fish and egg dishes. It is used to prepare a delicious salad of tomatoes and mozzarella, as well as countless pastes. Without basil, Italian cuisine would not be the same.

Benefits of basil

A number of studies show the unique properties of basil to prevent 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 oxygen damage. In addition, basil intake provides protection against unwanted bacterial growth.

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

- The nutrients contained in basil are essential for cardiovascular disease

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

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

- Basil is very suitable to stimulate the appetite. A decoction of wine and basil is prepared by adding about two handfuls of the herb and a little honey to 1 liter of wine. The resulting decoction stays up to a week and is occasionally shaken. 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 for this purpose because it not only repels nasty insects, but also kills their larvae.

Folk medicine with basil

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

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

To relieve toothache is done decoction of basil, to which vinegar and table salt are added (1 teaspoon each). Then gargle with the resulting liquid.

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

Washing your eyes with a decoction of basil helps reduce the accumulated fatigue as a result of a lot of work and long hours in front of the computer.

It is believed that basil seeds help to lose weight if you chew 1 tsp in the morning on an empty stomach. of them, taken with a larger amount of warm water.

Harm from basil

Although very useful, basil still has a dark side. Large amounts of aromatic spice and preparations with it should not be taken in some diseases and conditions.

Basil is contraindicated in the presence of diabetes mellitus, evidence of epileptic seizures, recent myocardial infarction, poor blood clotting, tendency to varicose veins and pre-existing, exacerbated gastrointestinal diseases.

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

Before embarking on any self-medication 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 gives a unique taste to dishes. Its aroma is unsurpassed, so do not deprive yourself of basil as a spice.