Sweet Basil Uses

Culinary Uses for Sweet Basil

Sweet basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum, is a commonly used medicinal and culinary herb. Secondary sources propose that basil had a tropical origin in central Africa and southeast Asia, and was first cultivated in India. Cultures around the world commonly use sweet basil to flavor their cooking.

United States: Both fresh basil leaves and dried basil leaves, the latter of which are ground or rubbed, are used in American cuisine. Basil is a common herb in Italian-American cuisine. Pasta sauce, pesto sauce, pizza sauce, salad dressings, and Caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) prominently feature basil. Desserts also incorporate basil, namely basil ice cream and strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and basil. Basil is an ingredient in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, especially sweet beverages, such as basil mojito and basil lemonade.

Mexico: Sweet basil is most commonly used in Mexico in sauces and vinaigrettes.

Brazil: In northern Brazil, caruru, a dish made with dried shrimp, okra, palm oil, flour, chicory, and basil, is prepared.

Chile: Basil is included in recipes for Chilean humitas and green tamales. It is also used as a garnish for ceviche.

Colombia: Colombian escabeches (marinated fish) include basil.

England: Contemporary British recipes with basil as an ingredient are gooseberry and basil ice cream; basil, hazelnut, and raspberry meringues; pea shoot and purple basil salad; and pasta with basil, mustard, and sausage.

France: In France, basil is known as the "royal herb." Torn fresh basil leaves are frequently incorporated into tomato salads. The French have their own version of the Italian pesto sauce, called pistou. Pistou contains olive oil, basil, and garlic. In some versions, cheese and nuts are added. Basil is a common culinary herb in southern France, namely Côte d'Azur and Provence.

Germany: Pork roast with basil sauce is a traditional German recipe. Modern German recipes featuring basil are basil and tomato cream spread, tomato and basil soup, tomato basil sauce containing quark (a fresh cheese), and basil spaetzle. Some variants of Frankfurt green sauce contain basil.

Italy: Fresh basil is a hallmark of Italian cuisine. It provides flavor and aroma for pasta dishes, and also for some meat, poultry and seafood dishes. Pizza sauce, tomato sauce, pappa al pomodoro, salad dressings, and Caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) prominently feature basil. Basil is an integral part of pesto sauce, which classically contains basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. In southern Italy, red pesto, a pesto containing sun-dried tomatoes, is used. Basil is often included in risotto and eggplant dishes. Italian bouquet garni may contain basil.

Spain: Basil is not a common ingredient in classic Spanish cuisine. It can be found in modern recipes such as roasted piquillo pepper, and caper, anchovy, and basil salad.

China: In China, basil, either dried or fresh, is used in soups.

Georgia: Basil is a key herb in Georgian cuisine. It is included in the Georgian spice mixture khmeli-suneli. It is also an ingredient in chanakhi (a mutton dish), beans and eggs, adjapsandal of eggplant, and chicken with herbs and tomatoes.

Taiwan: In Taiwan, basil is deep-fried and eaten with fried chicken. It is also added fresh to soups.

Thailand: Thai sweet basil, a variety of Ocimum basilicum, is popular in Thailand, and has a mild, anise-like aroma and flavor. It is a common ingredient in red curries. Other dishes featuring basil are ground chicken stir-fried with Thai basil, gai pad kra pao (chicken with chilies and dried basil), and tom yum, a hot and sour soup.

Vietnam: Basil is a popular herb in Vietnam, used in soups, scattered over salads, and as an accompaniment for bean curd skin filled with a shrimp mixture. It is used as a condiment for pho, a well-known Vietnamese beef and noodle soup, and an ingredient in a modern recipe for pork and shrimp summer rolls.

Iran: Traditionally, fresh herbs, including basil, were an integral part of Persian cuisine. Bread with cheese and cucumber-yogurt salad can both contain basil.

Lebanon: In Lebanon, basil is found in a recipe for baked kibbee.

Turkey: In Turkey, recipes for shish kabob can include basil.

Ethiopia: Basil is an ingredient in alicha (Ethiopian stew) and in seasoning for kebbeh.

Morocco: Modern Moroccan-inspired recipes with basil are tomato, basil, and couscous salad, and grilled Moroccan chicken.

Tunisia: A modern salad with tomatoes, basil, and cheese is used in Tunisia. Basil is also incorporated into lamb dishes.

References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/