Basil

Basil. It is one of the most used herbs in the world. Here are some things you may or may not have known:

1. It is associated with all sorts of rituals and beliefs: The French call basil herb royale. In Italy it is a sign of love, romance, and fine dining. Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting. Basil was said to be found in Christ's tomb after his resurrection. Greek Orthodox use basil to prepare holy water and pots of basil are placed below church alters. In Europe and India they place basil in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. The Egyptians and Grecians believe it will actually open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.

2. There are over 60 varieties of basil: Sweet Basil, Bush Basil, Dark Opal Basil, Lemon Basil, Holy Basil, Vero Basil, Purple Ruffle Basil and the list goes on. Some taste like cinnamon while others taste like anise. Sweet Basil and Bush Basil are best choices for culinary use.

3. The leaves range in color from green to red to dark purple.

4. Basil has been known for many years as an herbal remedy for diseases of the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and the bladder. Usually it's a digestive and nervous system aid (it is a cousin of mint). Infuse basil and use it as a tea for indigestion. Inhale basil steeped in water through a vaporizer to relieve cold symptoms.

5. Basil is also used as an insect repellent, even for cockroaches!! Place a pot of basil outside your door to repel flies . Use basil essential oil on a bee sting (use only one drop, more than one drop may irritate the skin) or crush the leaves and rub on cuts, insect bites and stings.

6. Basil has cosmetic uses as well. Use basil flowers and leaves for an invigorating bath. Basil adds luster to hair: brunettes, add it to a rosemary rinse, blondes, add it to a chamomile rinse. Combine basil essential oil with other essential oils to make perfumes and toilet water. Blends well with: geranium, hyssop, marjoram and lavender.

7. Basil can be used as a room freshener. Add dried basil to potpourri and sachets. Lemon basil and opal basil are good choices.

8. Growing basil is something you definitely want to try. Sow seeds indoors in the spring or plant seeds outside when all danger of frost has passed and the ground is at least 50 degrees. Make sure you place basil in a sheltered spot near your peppers and tomatoes to enhance growth. Your plants should be placed 1 foot apart, 1/8 inch deep, in rich moist light sandy soil, in full sun. Take care not to over water. Basil grows up to 3 foot high and flowers in mid-to-late summer. Pick the leaves when young. To encourage growth and a bushy plant, prune the main stem leaving at least one node with two shoots. Do this before it flowers. Gather the tops as the flowers open.

9 To store cut basil, place the stems in a shallow glass of water and put it in the refrigerator with a plastic bag over the top. Change the water daily until you use it.

10. You can freeze basil. Blanch it first (dip it in boiling water for a few seconds) and then dip it in ice water. Place it in a small plastic bag and freeze. When you want to use it, place it frozen directly into your food (it looses some of its flavor as it thaws).

11. You can also dry it. Wash it, dry it completely, layer it with coarse salt, alternating basil,salt, basil, salt in an airtight container. Or you can hang it upside down until it's completely dry and store it in a glass jar.

12. Basil is actually native to central and tropical Asia and Africa (perhaps it originated in India.) It is used in Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine as well as most European and Latin foods. It not only grows well with tomatoes, it goes well with tomatoes raw or cooked.

13. Some of the most popular foods made with basil are pesto sauce, tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, crostini or bruschetta, and caprese salad.

So. What is your favorite way to use basil? Do you infuse oils or vinegars? Do you use it in a different cuisine? Do you use it as an essential oil?