Basil is such a refreshing herb, I love the smell it lets out, just like mint a little goes a long way. Centuries ago they use to think that basil had mystical powers. Used in spiritual ceremonies because they believed it had strong healing powers. Ancient Egyptians used basil as part of the embalming process. In Crete to ward off evil spirits they planted basil around homes and temples and it was given to sweethearts as a gift.
But as time went by basil was thought to be poisonous and they stopped using it. Basil originated in Africa and Asia. Then brought to all other places in the world. It likes hot dry places, that explains why my plants never survived, should of kept it near the fire place. Well, we learn as we go, it should have said something to me!
I guess I was not paying attention. Just paying each time one died. There are many varieties of basil. In fact, there are 150 species to be exact. But not all are used in cooking, some are hybrids used in landscapes and worship implements. They cross-breed so easily that is why there is such a large variety.
Top 6 Basils
1. Sweet Basil
The most common is the sweet basil – everyone uses this one for tomato sauces, soups, even pesto.
2. Lettuce Leaf Basil
Lettuce Leaf Basil – is part of the sweet basils, you can infuse oil with it or cook it in oil .The flavor is amazing, many people use it to flavor their oil and dip there bread in it, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
3. Genovese Basil
Genovese Basil – is also a sweet basil and goes with many cuisine dishes. Its very aromatic.
4. Dark Opal Basil
Dark Opal Basil – is a very beautiful dark color and smells sweet also used in in cooking sauces but what is nice about this basil is you can use it in a flower arrangement and it will give out that sweet smell.
5. Lemon Basil
Lemon Basil – it taste like lemon and you can add it to salads or fish for that citrus flavor we all love. You can also add it to your sun tea to get that lemony taste. Believe it or not we also have a
6. Lime Basil
Lime Basil – it has the flavor of lime and can be used in many dishes that need the lime flavor.
Basil Syrup Recipe
Here is one syrup that is so good:
You take one cup of sugar and half cup of water and half cup of washed basil leaves, put it all in a small sauce pan, simmer, let cool, then strain into small container.
Should keep for a week or more. and you can use it to sweeten tea or fruit. Try it on what ever you think might taste good to you, be adventurous.
Some of the basils I mentioned are not found in grocery stores but they can be found in nurseries where gardening plants are sold.
The good thing about the variety of basil plants is that you can plant them in your garden where they can get plenty of sun, they don’t like the cold. Now I know.