Basil - How To Use
(Also known as Great Basil)
Profile
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.
Health
Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin K, manganese with a source of copper, vitamin A and C.
Interesting Facts
- The ancient Egyptians used basil for embalming mummies. In India, it was considered an antidote against snakebites.
Chief Flavour Compound
Eugenol: (medicinal, woody and warming) colourless dull yellow fragrant oil-based liquid, also found in cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaf. The flavour of basil is a steadiness between mint, star anise and pepper.