Basil (lat.Ocimum) is an annual or perennial fragrant semi-shrub spicy herb of the lamb family. Other names are reagan or reikhan, as well as scented cornflowers.
The birthplace of the basilica is the Old World, mainly regions with warm, tropical and temperate climates. The herb has been known since ancient times; its beneficial properties have long been used for medicinal purposes and in magical rituals. And also as a seasoning for food.
The composition and useful properties of basil
Basil has a pleasant aroma and spicy taste due to the content of essential oil, the amount of which reaches 1.5%. The aerial part of the plant also contains tannins, sugars, carotene, vitamin C, vitamins B2 and PP, rutin, and phytoncides. The herb is quite nutritious, contains up to 2 g of fat; in general, the calorie content of basil reaches 230 kcal per 100 grams of product.
Due to its beneficial properties, basil is used both as a spice and seasoning for food, and as a remedy. In ancient times, fresh grass was used as an antidote for poisoning and poisonous insect bites. Decoctions and infusions of basil have antipyretic, analgesic, carminative and antispasmodic effects, stimulate the stomach and normalize metabolism. The tinctures have the properties of a real antidepressant โ they help against insomnia, relieve stress, and normalize blood pressure. Basil helps restore the menstrual cycle in women and enhances lactation in nursing mothers, has a rejuvenating, tonic and immune-modeling effect.
Cooking application
As a spice, basil herb perfectly complements the second hot dishes, salads, meat and vegetable snacks, vegetable soups. With the help of greens, they flavor vinegar and vegetable oil, add flavor to sauces and gravies. Basil sprigs are placed in barrels and jars for aroma when salting and pickling vegetables. The spicy herb is especially loved in Italian and Greek cuisines โ it goes well with tomatoes, green vegetables, cheeses, feta cheese, olives, seafood, any kind of pasta.
But in Central Asia, for example, in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, basil is added to desserts, brewed with tea, chocolate and coffee.
