Basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. Its unique aroma emphasizes the aroma and taste of dishes. It also has a beneficial effect on our he alth, incl. relieves gas and colic. However, these are not the only possibilities of this herb. Check what other ailments basil can help with and what dishes it is best suited to.

Basil(Ocimum basilicum) is an annual plant of the Labiatae family that is native to South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Today it is grown almost all over the world in 150 varieties.

Basil: species

The best known in Poland:

  • common basil- is also known as a garden basilica, ordinary basil or Polish basilisk. It has a spicy, sweet-spicy flavor, an aromatic, spicy, clove-like scent and an intense green color of the leaves. Basil, through the glands located on the underside of the leaf, secretes basil oil with an intense, spicy-floral scent;
  • red basil- it differs from the common one only in color.
  • Greek basilis characterized by an erect habit of straight, square stems and shoots abundant with small (up to 1 cm long) light green or red leaves;
  • cinnamon basilwhich has an intense cinnamon scent.
  • lemon basilhas a fresh, citrus aroma, which makes it perfect for fish dishes. It is also a great addition to seafood, cottage cheese and fruit salads. It is also used to flavor vinegar, olive oil and oil.

Basil, together with rosemary, thyme, sage, peppermint, garden savory and marjoram, is one of the Provencal herbs.

Basil: healing properties

Basil supports work:

  • digestive system - improves digestion and facilitates the absorption of nutrients from food. It prevents stomach cramps and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, so it can be used in the case of indigestion and flatulence. It is also effective in combating lack of appetite. It is also used to prevent vomiting and nausea.
  • nervous system - has an effectsimilar to lemon balm: has an antidepressant effect, improves mood, helps fight insomnia, reduces hyperactivity.

Basil also has antipyretic properties - it gently lowers high temperature and warms the body.

Basil - nutritional values ​​per 100 g

Caloric value: 23 kcal

Minerals:

  • sodium - 4 mg
  • potassium - 295 mg
  • calcium - 177 mg
  • phosphorus - 56 mg
  • magnesium - 64 mg
  • iron - 3.2 mg
  • zinc - 0.8 mg
  • copper - 0.4 mg
  • manganese - 1.1 mg

Vitamins:

  • vitamin A - 264 μg
  • beta carotene - 3142 μg
  • vitamin E - 0.8 mg
  • vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.1 mg
  • niacin - 0.9 mg
  • vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.2 mg
  • folic acid - 68 μg
  • vitamin C - 18 mg

Basil in the kitchen

Basil is an irreplaceable ingredient in almost all Mediterranean dishes (it is the basic ingredient in pesto sauce). Fresh basil leaves, due to their distinctive taste and characteristic aroma, are added to salads and soups, especially tomato soups.

You can also rub it on meat before further cooking. It is also used to flavor wine vinegar and olive oil. It is also used to produce original-tasting ice cream and chocolate products, as well as liqueurs.

Basil is best added to food at the end of cooking or frying, because high temperature destroys its flavor. It's best to use fresh basil, as the herb loses most of its flavor when dried.

Other uses of basil

The essential oil obtained from basil is used in the manufacture of perfumes and soap. Moreover, the basil pot, placed on the windowsill, effectively repels insects, e.g. mosquitoes.

The juice of basil leaves brings relief in case of being bitten by insects.

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Category:

Alternative medicine