Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals , and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
What is basil used for in cooking?
This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries . Ingredients that are complimented by the addition of basil include meats like chicken and beef, olive oil, eggs, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
What foods go well with basil?
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil. ...
- Olive Oil. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Balsamic Vinegar. ...
- Fruit. ...
- Mint. ...
- Lemon. ...
- Eggplant.
How do you use basil leaves in food?
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
What are the most common uses of basil?
The most common use of basil is for cooking , such as in tomato sauce, pesto, or vinegars. But it also can be sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes, either whole or chopped. Actually, don’t chop the leaves, but tear them instead for the most flavor.
What meat goes well with basil?
Basil: tomatoes, tomato sauces, peas, squash, lamb , fish, eggs, tossed salad, cheese, potatoes, pasta. Bay leaf: vegetable and fish soups, tomato sauces, poached fish and meat stews. Dill: fish, cream and cottage cheese, potatoes, fish, vegetable salads, pickles, tomatoes.
What is the benefit of basil?
The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels , which may help to lower blood pressure. The essential oils in the herb can help to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help to improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.
Is it OK to cook basil?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. ... It’s best to start by mixing these varieties with sweet basil until you know how the flavors will affect your favorite recipes.
Can you eat basil leaves Raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw . Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What is bay leaf used for in cooking?
Bay leaves are also commonly used in marinades for meat and fish , added to boiling water to cook seafood like crab and shrimp, and used in pickling solutions.
What are the side effects of basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar . The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is basil same as Tulsi?
Main Difference – Tulsi vs Basil
But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. ... The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient.
What do you mean by basil leaves?
Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil , annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
Can you eat basil everyday?
Basil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts . Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
Basil Contains Powerful Antioxidants
One of the best health benefits of Basil is that it is another excellent source of antioxidants as well! Basil contains water soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells. Basil has also been known to help fight free radical damage.
Is basil poisonous?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE . Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
