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Ocimum basilicum - Basil leaves
Basil leaves , also called great basil, Ocimum basilicum or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb". The name "basil" comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), "royal/kingly plant". This medicinal herb can help with flatulence, lack of appetite, cuts, and scrapes.
Harvest the young leaves of this annual plant as needed.
Uses
- Basil is most commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. In general, it is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor.
- Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto—a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce.
- The Chinese also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods.
- When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as faluda, sharbat-e-rihan.
