Basil

Basil is originally from Asia, but has been around in Europe for ages. Mediterranean cuisine frequently uses basil, combining it with tomato, e.g. Caprese salad with mozzarella cheese, tomato and on top fresh basil. It is one of the main ingredients in pesto, a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce from the city of Genoa, its other two main ingredients being olive oil and pine nuts. This herb is recommended to be used fresh, as cooking destroys the flavour quickly – if used in cooked recipes it should be added only at the last moment. The best way to keep basil is to place the cut stems in water and keep them in front of the window. This way it will remain fresh for a week or so.

Latest update: 08/05/2007