The
International Herb Society
has designated basil as the Herb of the Year 2003. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a sun-loving
annual with highly aromatic leaves that has a pleasant spicy odor and taste somewhat like
anise or cloves.
Both the leaves and their essential oils are used as flavoring agents. There are
many different types of sweet basil
– large and dwarf forms, with green, purple, or variegated leaves. Many of these
widely grown plants are ornamental, as well as edible.
The genus Ocimum is native to Asia, Africa and Central and Southern America. Basil was probably first cultivated in India, and was introduced in ancient times to Africa and the Mediterranean through the spice routes. Basils belong to the mint family, and have the square stems, opposite leaves, flower spikes, and oil glands typical of many members of this plant family. The ancient Greeks called basil "The Herb of Kings." (The name for sweet basil comes from the Greek okimon, basil, and basilikos, royal.) It was believed that only the king himself should harvest this herb, and only using a golden sickle. In Romania, basil had a different meaning: when a man accepted a sprig of basil from a woman, he was officially engaged. The meaning in Greece was less romantic – there it was a symbol of death and hatred!
Like many herbs, basil has many reputed medicinal properties, such as the ability to draw out poison from insect bites, as a sedative, for treating digestive disorders, soothing pain, promoting perspiration, and promoting production of breast milk in nursing mothers.
There are many cultivars of sweet basil available today, as well as several related species of Ocimum that are also used for cooking and ornamental purposes. Most vegetable seed retailers offer a number of choices.
Cinnamon Basil has distinctive cinnamon-colored stems, purple flowers
tinged with bronze, and small- to medium-sized, dark green leaves.
These ornamental plants can reach 3 feet in height and width, and the leaves
have a cinnamon-like taste and odor.
'Purple Ruffles' has very large, dark
shiny purple-black, ruffled and fringed leaves and pink flowers. It is ideal
for providing contrast in bedding or containers, as well as being an edible herb.
Other purple basils include
'Purpurascens,' 'Opal', and the dwarf 'Minimum Purpurascens.'
Basil is easily grown from seed, or can be purchased as small potted plants. Plant seeds early in spring, sowing the seed at a half an inch deep. They
can be sown directly in the ground after all danger of frost has passed, or can be
started indoors 4-6 weeks before setting out (use 2-3 seeds per pot) for earlier
harvests. Germination can occur in 5 to
7
days, but will take longer under cool conditions. Place plants outside12-15 inches
apart.
Basil is a warm season plant, requiring temperatures above 50º to grow, but does best when temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. Plant basil in full sun, in well-drained soil. Water adequately to produce tender leaves, but be careful not to overwater. Basil needs more fertilizer than most herbs. Incorporate compost before planting or top dress at planting to keep the plants producing leaves all season.
Pinch
off the terminal shoots to encourage branching and tender new growth, and slow
down flower production. When the plant stems become woody and stop
producing, cut the plants back a third and fertilize to stimulate new growth. In midseason the plants will begin to produce spikes of small white, pink or
purple flowers. Remove these flower spikes to keep the plant producing leaves up
to frost.
Basil is generally easy to grow, but may be attacked by common garden pests such as spider mites (especially when hot and dry), aphids, Japanese beetles, or other insects. These can be controlled by hosing off the plants or applying insecticidal soap, or removing the beetles by hand. A few generalist fungal or bacterial diseases may occasionally affect individual plants. Root rots (or damping off of seedlings) occur primarily when the soil is too wet.
Basil sown in pots in midsummer can be brought indoors to continue growing during the winter. Place the pot in a bright, sunny window for best results.
Selectively remove individual leaves or pinch off tips that have one or two
sets of leaves as needed for fresh use at any time. Basil does not refrigerate
well, but can be kept there for a few days. Another alternative is to place the
stems in water to keep the sprigs fresh for a few days.
Just before the plants begin to flower, the whole plants can be cut 6-8 inches from the ground. Basil is a very tender plant and will be damaged by frost, with the leaf tissue turning black. Either cover the plants completely or make a final harvest when the first frost is predicted.
Basil can be preserved by drying (for more information, see the article on this website on Drying Herbs), but does not freeze well.
Basil is most commonly associated with Italian and Thai cuisine. Most Italian dishes with tomatoes also use basil. Basil is the essential ingredient in pesto. The leaves, fresh or dried, may be used in many other dishes, as well. Infusions of the leaves can flavor oil or vinegar, and leaves can be steeped for teas.
Recipes that take advantage of this herb are endless; just a few examples are offered here.
Basil Dipping Oil |
|
 From Cooking Light Magazine |
2 cups chopped fresh
basil leaves (about 2 (3/4-ounce packages) 1/2 cup olive oil |
| Combine basil and oil in a small, heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until thermometer registers 180 degrees. Reduce heat to low; cook 20 minutes (do not allow temperature to rise above 200 degrees). Cool to room temperature. Drain oil mixture through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. | |
Classic Pesto |
|
 From Cooking Light Magazine |
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts or pine
nuts 2 garlic cloves, peeled 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 cups basil leaves (about 4 ounces) 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt |
|
Drop nuts and garlic through food chute with
food processor on; process until minced. Add oil; pulse 3 times. Add
basil, cheese, and salt; process until finely minced, scraping sides of
bowl once.
Spoon into a zip-top, heavy-duty plastic bag
or other container; store in refrigerator. |
|
Basil and Tomato Bruschetta |
|
 |
crusty Italian bread, 1 inch thick olive oil ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced chopped fresh oregano basil leaves, cut into small pieces garlic cloves, peeled and minced salt and pepper optional: Parmesan or Asiago cheese, grated |
|
Toast bread over a grill or in the oven at 425º. Brown on both sides. Remove and brush with oil. In a bowl combine tomatoes*, oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Top warm bread with mixture and sprinkle with cheese, if desired. (The cheese can also be mixed in with the tomatoes). *I salt the diced tomatoes, and let them drain 15-30 min. in a strainer to remove some of the juice, before adding the other ingredients. |
|
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin
