Spotlight: Basil

Most noted for its’ use in Italian cooking Basil is one herb that has earned a spot on the spice rack. This taste of royalty has mostly been glorified by the Mediterranean however several other civilizations have been known to make use of their own varieties of this plant as well. Read along if you will to take a quick glance at the greatness of basil.

Basil has a long history, dating back at least five thousand years to its roots in India and Asia. Through time we have found and identified over sixty different varieties of basil, most notably lemon basil, clove basil, African blue basil and cinnamon basil.

The standard basil here in North America is peppery with a light sweetness in flavour. Depending upon your variety of basil they can offer slightly more of a mint, cinnamon, citrus or pepper flavour.

Basil has been used in a number of dishes all over the world. Most notably for most North Americans basil is very common in Italian cuisine. Pasta, pesto, salads and soups can all be altered through the addition of this herb.

From pasta sauce to potato salad this peppery blast of herbaciousness can add that next level to your next meal. If the opportunity exists at your next social gathering the lengthy history and wide spread geographic reach of basil can certainly offer some interesting facts to share at the table.