by Beth Anderle

Created on: July 01, 2009

Nothing says "Italy" more than the delicious aroma of basil. This versatile herb is easy to grow indoors or out and requires very little care to keep it happy and healthy.

Basil, or "Ocimum basilicum," is an aromatic herb with a slight smell of clove. The name basil itself comes from the Greek, "basilikos" which means "royalty." Basil is native to the Middle East, probably originally from Iran or India.Grown primarily for culinary purposes, it also has some medicinal uses. The plant was once given to loosen the bowels of cattle.

There are a variety of basil plants, from the well-known sweet basil to the purple basils, like the Dark Opal, to the smaller and brightly flavored lemon basil. Each type of basil has its own scent and taste and yet still retains its underlying distinctive basil scent and flavor.

Start basil from seed inside early in the spring, or sow the seeds directly outside after danger of frost and after the ground has warmed up. Basil loves full sun and will thrive in any warm, sunny garden spot. It grows very quickly; one or two plants will very quickly provide most cooks with ample basil for cooking throughout the summer months. To keep a pot in the house year-round, sow some seed directly into a pot, or root a cutting of basil from the garden at the end of the growing season, and place it in a sunny window.

Once the plant is well-established, pinch them back vigorously to encourage them to grow fuller. Do not let the plant flower. While the flowers are pretty, once the plant blooms there is a tendency to grow leggy, and for the plant to turn slightly bitter.

Basil must be harvested before a frost; once frost touches the leaves they will turn black and wilt, and must be discarded. Before the first frost dig up the plant, cut the root off, and bring the branches in the house. Once picked, the leaves should be processed as soon as possible because they will bruise or blacken and wilt. Pick off the larger leaves and preserve by drying or freezing. Smaller leaves can also be dried or combined with other herbs for various seasoning mixtures.

In the kitchen, basil is a wonderful complement to tomatoes; add it to tomato sauce, caprese salad, bruschetta topping, and pizza. It is also delicious in salads, on roasted meats, and in soups or stews. Despite its strong flavor it combines well with other herbs in many dishes.

Basil is good for a number of common ailments. Brew the leaves ino a tea and drink it after a meal to soothe digestive difficulties. It is also beneficial for anyone suffering from a cold or breathing condition. Basil contains a slight sedative, which can have a calming effect when consumed in the right quantities. (Always check with your doctor before using herbs to treat any medical condition.) For some people just smelling the wonderful scent can lift the spirits.

So plant a pot or patch of basil today, and bring a bit of the Tuscan sun to your home!

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