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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Vegeto $12.00
![Vegeto Roman Spice Mix (All purpose seasoning - Mediterranean Italian)]()
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Baqa $12.00
![Baqa Arabian Mixed Herb Blend - All purpose seasoning]()
Introducing Baqa - A captivating herbaceous and zesty blend, from the Islamic Golden Age. Discover the allure of Baqa. Derived from a 13th-century medieval Arabian cookbook. Meaning 'bouquet' or 'bunch' of herbs, this beautiful blend pays homage to the ancient herb trade. All natural, salt-free and vegan-friendly. The combination of several herbs with garlic and onion powder means a little goes a long way for this all-purpose seasoning.
Endless culinary adventures – A mere sprinkle brings a fresh zing to savoury dishes like pasta, soups, cheese toasties, roast potatoes, and that 70’s classic chicken vol-au-vents. At Camelēr Spice Co, we like to call it, “all things eggs”. One of our customers delighted in pairing Baqa with speckled mushrooms, cream cheese, and sourdough for a mouth-watering lunch. Fans of Za’atar will be captivated by unique flavour alchemy that Baqa brings.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Sofrito $12.00
![Sofrito Spanish spice mix (Catalan all purpose seasoning)]()
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
