Did You Know?
There are over 60 varieties of basil worldwide; the name comes from the Greek word 'basileus' meaning king — it was considered a royal herb.
Overview
Italy · summer · herbs
Basil is a fragrant culinary herb with bright, sweet, slightly peppery leaves used fresh in Italian cuisine, pesto, salads, and Asian dishes.
Italy
Origin
summer
Season
Easy
Difficulty
herbs
Category
Flavor Profile
Sweetclove-likepeppery
Storage Tips
Store fresh basil at room temperature in a glass of water like flowers — refrigeration blackens the leaves; dried basil keeps 1–2 years.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Basil
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Always add fresh basil at the end of cooking or just before serving — heat destroys its volatile oils quickly; tear rather than chop to preserve aroma.
Best Pairings
tomatomozzarellaolive oilgarlicpine nutslemon
Substitutes
Fresh oregano (more robust), Thai basil (more anise), or flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Basil
Nutrition Highlights
calories
23 kcal per 100g (fresh)
key_nutrients
Vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, eugenol, antioxidants
Quick Facts
Categoryherbs
OriginItaly
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Contains eugenol and rosmarinic acid with anti-inflammatory properties; rich in vitamin K; antimicrobial essential oils.
Basil Photos
4 photos showcasing Basil in its many forms
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Basil
herbs
OriginItaly
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Sweetclove-likepeppery
Shop This Ingredient
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Pairs Well With
tomatomozzarellaolive oilgarlicpine nutslemon
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