Is Basil a vegetable?
Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between 30 and 150 cm (1 and 5 ft). Its leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar. Leaf sizes range from 3 to 11 cm (1 to 4.
What are some healthy spices?
9 of the World's Healthiest Spices & Herbs You Should Be Eating
- Turmeric. This golden spice delivers some solid-gold benefits. ...
- Ginger. Ginger is well-known for easing a queasy stomach. ...
- Cayenne Pepper. A dash of cayenne pepper with your dinner may give your weight-loss efforts a tiny boost, especially if you're not used to spicy stuff.
- Cinnamon. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Peppermint. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Black Peppercorns. ...
What are the health benefits of herbs and spices?
Benefits of Herbs & Spices •Adds flavor and has the ability to increase enjoyment of food •Imparts characteristic flavor (sour, sweet, salty, tangy) •Some are natural tenderizers for meats •Many offer health benefits through abundant phytonutrients and other physiologic effects such as acting on the digestive system (carminative)
What are the most commonly used spices?
Top 10 spices you should have in your kitchen
- Black Pepper. As the counterpoint to the always-prevalent salt, black pepper is a flavorful spice that tastes good on most savory dishes in small doses.
- Garlic Powder. Even if you choose to use fresh garlic on a regular basis, having garlic powder around can be beneficial too.
- Thyme. ...
- Cinnamon. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Cayenne Pepper. ...
- Cumin. ...
- Nutmeg. ...
- Paprika. ...
How many varieties of basil are there?
There are over 60 varieties of basil, some of which are red or purple, and each has its own distinct flavor. Sweet basil is the most popular and common variety, and there are several types of sweet basil available. Thai basil is also called for in many recipes because of its anise-like flavor. It is distinguishable from sweet basil by its purple ...
What is basil used for in Italian?
Back to Top. Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.
Why is basil pesto brown?
However, the stems and large veins contain compounds that will cause pesto to turn brown and dark, so it is best to remove them when making the herb sauce. For the most intense flavor, fresh basil should be added at the end of the cooking process. Prolonged heat will cause basil's volatile oils to dissipate.
What is the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil?
Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
How long can you keep basil in a jar?
The cubes are best added to soups and stews. Dried basil should be kept in the cool, dry place and used within six months. Keep in mind that the jar could have been on the grocery store shelf for quite some time, so it is best to use as quickly as possible.
How to store fresh basil?
How to store fresh basil depends on what form you have purchased. Fresh basil leaves should be kept in the refrigerator layered in damp paper towels and stored in a plastic bag where they will last up to four days. Basil with the stems can be placed upright in a jar of water, with the leaves covered by a plastic bag (secured to the top of the jar). In the refrigerator, they will last up to a week; make sure to change the water daily. Leave a plant in a sunny spot and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
What is Thai basil?
Thai basil is also called for in many recipes because of its anise-like flavor. It is distinguishable from sweet basil by its purple stems and sturdy leaves. Other varieties are named for the way they smell or taste, such as lemon basil, cinnamon basil, and spicy bush basil.
How does it work ?
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.
What is basil used for?
Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods, basil is used for flavor.
How long before surgery can you stop using basil?
In theory, basil oils or extracts might increase the risk of bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
What is the purpose of the CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION?
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances.
Is basil oil safe to eat?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is basil safe for breast feeding?
Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Is basil safe to take?
Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Varieties of Basil
Fresh vs. Dried
- Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried basil when substituting it for fresh. For example, one tablespoon of fresh chopp…
What Does It Taste like?
- The taste of basil will depend on the variety. Sweet basil has a fresh aroma with a subtle peppery flavor and a hint of mint. Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
Cooking with Basil
- Before using, basil should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish. Thicker stems and stalks should be discarded because they tend to be bitter, but it is okay to include the small stems in dishes. How…
Recipes with Basil
- Basil is often paired with tomatoesas it helps to mellow out some of the acidity. In addition to pesto, basil is used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. 1. Cucumber, Basil, and Tomato Salad 2. Basil Butter Smothered Lobster Tails 3. Strawberry Basil Sorbet
Where to Buy Basil
- Fresh basil is readily available in most supermarkets and can be found in the produce section packed in plastic clamshell containers or sold as full plants. When buying fresh basil, look for bright green leaves that are not browning or dried on the edges. Dried basil is sold in jars and found in the spice aisle. It is easy to grow your own basil, whether in the garden or a pot on the w…
Storage
- How to store fresh basil depends on what form you have purchased. Fresh basil leaves should be kept in the refrigerator layered in damp paper towels and stored in a plastic bag where they will last up to four days. Basil with the stems can be placed upright in a jar of water, with the leaves covered by a plastic bag (secured to the top of the jar). In the refrigerator, they will last up to a w…