Basil
A bright green, leafy plant in the mint family. Basil is most commonly used in Italian cuisine, frequently to complement tomato based dishes. It is also used in Thai cooking.
With its sweet, herbal bouquet, it works well to complement meat, vegetable, cheese and egg dishes. Its name means, "be fragrant." Ancient Greeks hated it. Romans loved it. Today, Hindus plant basil in their homes to bring happiness to the family. In addition to tomato and pasta dishes, it is also popular on baked chicken, lamb or fish, and teams well with garlic, thyme and oregano.
Cultivated for over 2000 years, it symbolises love. At one time young girls would place some on their windowsill to indicate they were looking for a suitor. In Tudor times, small pots of this were given by farmers' wives to visitors as parting gifts. It is also reputed that any man will fall in love with a woman from whom he accepts some basil from as a gift.
In ancient Rome, the name for the herb, Basilescus, referred to Basilisk, the fire breathing dragon. Taking the herb was thought to be a charm against the beast. With this in mind, it is interesting that today basil is used as an antidote to venom. The Greeks also had great respect for B a s i l; their word for it meaning royal or kingly. It was believed that only the king himself should harvest this herb, and only with the use of a golden sickle.
Available in 25g jars.
