Ocimum basilicum Sweet Basil Related species:
|
Basil is native to India and was
brought to Europe in the 16th century. The name of this sweet and pungent
herb is derived from the Greek word basileus, meaning "king". The
ancient Romans and Greeks believed that they had to curse and yell while
they planted basil in order to get a good crop. In Italy, basil was considered
a token of love, and in Crete it was regarded as a "symbol of love washed
with tears". Egyptians strewed basil flowers on graves, while in Malaysia
basil was planted on the graves of loved ones. On the other hand, the Romans
believed that basil represented misfortune and hatred.
An infusion of basil leaves may be taken as a laxative and to counteract gastric cramp, fevers and nausea. For travel sickness, a cold infusion is effective if taken just prior to the start of the journey. A Belgian herbalist wrote in the 17th century, "A woman in labour, if she but hold in her hand a root of this herb together with the feather of a swallow, shall be delivered without pain." Basil adds a distinctive, spicy flavour to Italian foods, tomato and egg dishes, soups, sauces, sausages and rich stews. Basil leaves (like all other herbs) should be added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent the development of a bitter taste. Basil is an annual that prefers well-drained, moist soil in a sunny position. Seed germination takes about two weeks, and the tips of new shoots should be pinched out regularly to encourage bushy growth. When planted close to tomatoes, basil helps to counteract fruit-fly and improves the quality of the tomatoes. In cooler climates, basil should be treated as a tender annual. |