Basil
Annual Herb Often Used with Pasta or to Make Pesto
Nutritional, Culinary & Medicinal Uses
Culinary Uses: Basil can be used as flavoring for food, or in marinades, and it is perhaps best known for its use in pesto. It is particularly good with chicken, tomatoes, and nuts. Also, rub the leaves first with one’s fingers in order to enhance release of flavor [8].
Nutritional Uses: Basil contains calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, numerous antioxidants, and some trace amounts of iron [9].
Medicinal Uses: Basil has long been considered a medicinal herb. Its applications are numerous. For instance, there is strong evidence to suggest that basil aids to relieve memory loss in older individuals as a result of its antioxidants [5]. Results are encouraging the basil may further be able to alleviate diabetes [6]. Finally, it also seems to be of great use as an oral supplement to improve reduction in plaque and microbials [7].
How to Cultivate and Harvest
Planting: Plant basil in rich soil in full sun. The soil pH should be 5.1 to 8.5. Start indoors about six weeks before the last spring frost. Plant in moist, well-draining soil. Water on a regular basis [3][4].
Harvesting: Continually pinch off the seeding part of the plant so that it continues to produce the leaves for as long as possible. As for the leaves, harvest them when basil is six to eight inches tall [3].
Preservation
Dry or freeze the basil leaves after harvesting them. One can blend the basil and freeze in ice cube trays in the freezer, as we did. To dry, hang upside down for two to four weeks in a dark, warm, dry place in bunches of three to five stems [3][4].
History
Basil is a member of the mint family, with its origins in India. It has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Records from 807 A.D. show its use in China as well. It was likely used for embalming in Egypt [1]. In Christian history, the plant was often strewn at the foot of crosses. According to one authority, the women who came to anoint Jesus found basil in his tomb with the angel. There is a story of St. Helena’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem where she told her attendants to dig under a stand of basil growing on a desolate mountaintop and found the True Cross. It is common for people to plant cuttings in Holy Water and wait for roots to sprout [2].
References
1. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “The History of Basil: From Food to Medicine to Religion”. Spruce Eats, Dotdash Meredith, https://www.thespruceeats.com/the-history-of-basil-1807566
2. Realy, Margaret Rose. A Garden Catechism. Our Sunday Visitor, 2022.
3. Iannoti, Marie. “How to Grow Basil”. The Spruce. Dotdash Meredith, https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-basil-plants-1402624
4. Mattia, Nancy and Baker, Nashia. “How to Grow and Care for Basil Plants, a Summer Annual You Need in Your Culinary Garden: This aromatic herb is one of the most popular and easiest to grow.” Martha Stewart, https://www.marthastewart.com/8077660/basil-plant-guide
5. Sarahroodi, Shadi and Esmaeili, Somayyeh and Mikaili, Peyman and Hemmati Zahra and Saberi, Yousof. “The effects of green Ocimum basilicum hydroalcoholic extract on retention and retrieval of memory in mice”. Ancient Science of Life, April 2012 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23661866/
6. El-Beshbishy, Ha and Bahashwan Sa. “Hypoglycemic effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) aqueous extract is mediated through inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities: an in vitro study”. Toxicology and Industrial Health, February 2012 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21636683/
7. Wiwattanarattanabut, Kornsit and Choonharuangdej, Suwan and Theerathavaj, Srithavaj. “In Vitro Anti-Cariogenic Plaque Effects of Essential Oils Extracted from Culinary Herbs.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research for Doctors, 1 Septermber 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29207708/
8. McCormick author, “About Basil Uses, Pairings, and Recipes.” McCormick & Company, Inc., https://www.mccormick.com/articles/mccormick/about-basil#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,homemade%20pesto%20or%20tomato%20sauce.
9. “Heath Benefits of Basil”. Medical News Today, Healthline Media, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320067#possible-health-benefits
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