Basil - How To Use

(Also known as Great Basil)

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What does basil taste like?

The flavour of basil is a steadiness between mint, star anise and pepper. Basil is a native of India, where one variety is considered a sacred plant. It is a particularly fragrant herb with a delicate, almost liquorice-like flavour. Part of the mint family, it means "Royal" or "Kingly" in Latin translation. Commonly used in Italian cuisine, basil is an excellent garnish for pizza, pasta and soup dishes. It can also add depth to a pasta sauce.

What flavours go with Basil?

  • Anise
  • Clove
  • Coconut
  • Fig
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Mint
  • Raspberry
  • Tomato
  • Walnut

Basil and tomato are two flavours that we are all familiar with. Sofrito, our 14th-century Catalan blend is one delicious example with its tomatoey undertones alongside basil, making the perfect foundation for a Ragu. Our 13th-century Arabian mixed herb blends Baqa with its garlic undertones and basil is a great marriage for chicken vol-au-vents at your next party. 

Health Benefits 

Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin K, and manganese with a source of copper, and vitamins A and C. It has been used for stomach problems such as constipation.

Interesting Facts
  • The ancient Egyptians used basil for embalming mummies. In India, it was considered an antidote against snake bites. 
Chief Flavour Compound

Eugenol: (medicinal, woody and warming) colourless dull yellow fragrant oil-based liquid, also found in cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaf. 

 

Blends to try with Basil

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