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Originating from the Greek work basileus, which roughly interprets to King, basil herbs were considered to be mailcious. Ancient stories went on to say that to get the herbs to actually start growing, some poor sucker had to scream & yell at them. Whilst that is clearly a porkie, you have to admit that basil herbs do have a 'strong perfume'.
In later times, basil came to represent love, and men in Italy would give women a sprig of basil as a romantic gesture. When it comes to cuisine, basil is usually identified with Mediterranean food, along with Italian and Thai specialties. However, did you know that this herb actually came from India? Yes, it was Vishnu and Krishna's own personal choice.
Getting Your Basil to Grow
Basil herb plants grow as perennials in some tropical regions and are often used as annuals in temperate zones. The first and most important thing to understand about basil herbs is that the plant is very sensitive to temperature. It is best grown in warm and sunny weather. In fact, it's more preferable to keep pots or gardens indoors rather than expose it to outdoor weather.
As far as soil goes, they prefer well drained soil along with good quality compost or well rotted manure. Basil requires a steady water supply to grow as well as adequate drainage. A lack of light as well as any sort of drought will quickly wilt the plant. In addition, gardeners will have to mulch just the right amount so as to maintain the soil, but not do so prematurely. When the plant starts to flourish it's time to cut the stems back and cut off the flowers.
And don't worry about cutting the flowers off, it's that very act that gives us basil, surely the most flavorsome herb available. Try tasting the leaves prior to flowering, that's when the flavor is the strongest.
The Many Uses of Basil
famous worldwide for their contribution to the kitchen, basil herbs do have healing properties but are not generally used in homeopathic remedies. A cousin of mint, it can be beneficial for digesting food and can be used to make tea.
With more then 60 varieties of basil, they say that there are many more yet to be unearthed. The most common of the variety used in the kitchen is sweet basil although lemon basil is a common ingredient for some soups & sweets. The basil family includes many varieties including, cinnamon, African blue & Opal.
Growing your own basil herbs gives you a rare opportunity: you can use it as seasoning when the herbs are extra fresh and straight off the leaves of the plant. Basil you find at the common store has been sitting in a container for days or even weeks and is not anywhere near the same quality.
The dishes you serve up to your family will have that 'X' factor if you use fresh basil! - 24553
In later times, basil came to represent love, and men in Italy would give women a sprig of basil as a romantic gesture. When it comes to cuisine, basil is usually identified with Mediterranean food, along with Italian and Thai specialties. However, did you know that this herb actually came from India? Yes, it was Vishnu and Krishna's own personal choice.
Getting Your Basil to Grow
Basil herb plants grow as perennials in some tropical regions and are often used as annuals in temperate zones. The first and most important thing to understand about basil herbs is that the plant is very sensitive to temperature. It is best grown in warm and sunny weather. In fact, it's more preferable to keep pots or gardens indoors rather than expose it to outdoor weather.
As far as soil goes, they prefer well drained soil along with good quality compost or well rotted manure. Basil requires a steady water supply to grow as well as adequate drainage. A lack of light as well as any sort of drought will quickly wilt the plant. In addition, gardeners will have to mulch just the right amount so as to maintain the soil, but not do so prematurely. When the plant starts to flourish it's time to cut the stems back and cut off the flowers.
And don't worry about cutting the flowers off, it's that very act that gives us basil, surely the most flavorsome herb available. Try tasting the leaves prior to flowering, that's when the flavor is the strongest.
The Many Uses of Basil
famous worldwide for their contribution to the kitchen, basil herbs do have healing properties but are not generally used in homeopathic remedies. A cousin of mint, it can be beneficial for digesting food and can be used to make tea.
With more then 60 varieties of basil, they say that there are many more yet to be unearthed. The most common of the variety used in the kitchen is sweet basil although lemon basil is a common ingredient for some soups & sweets. The basil family includes many varieties including, cinnamon, African blue & Opal.
Growing your own basil herbs gives you a rare opportunity: you can use it as seasoning when the herbs are extra fresh and straight off the leaves of the plant. Basil you find at the common store has been sitting in a container for days or even weeks and is not anywhere near the same quality.
The dishes you serve up to your family will have that 'X' factor if you use fresh basil! - 24553
About the Author:
Herb loving maniac & all round good guy Peter Williams, lives for herbs alone... so for more great information about the best place to grow basil herbs check out What's The Best Herb For Your Kitchen?
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