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Basil - pronounced [BAY-zihl]
The botanical name for basil is Ocimum basilicum. This aromatic herb is
native to India, SE Asia, and NE Africa and is an important herb used in Italian and Thai
cooking (and less significantly in other cusines). Basil is "the" key
ingredient in pesto.
Holy Basil - Photo credit: Loukie
Werle, Jill Cox
Thai Basil
Thai Basil is also know as Sweet Basil or Asian Basil and the Thai name is bai horapa
Theses tropical varieties of basil are referred to as "Thai Basil" are
slightly sweeter in flavor and are more stable when cooked than the Mediterranean basil.
Another common variety is called Holy Basil, bai gaprow, and has little aroma or
flavor until it is cooked. The leaves have a recognizable purple tinge.
In general the leaves of Thai Basil are more long and narrow while the Mediterranean
version is more rounded.
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History and
Lore
Basil was first introduced to Europe in
the 16th century. In India it was believed it would ward off misfortune and the herb
was planted throughout their temple gardens. For much of it's early history it was
used as "funeral herb" and was scattered or planted on gravesites.
Basil had a love/hate relationship among many cultures. It represented everything
from hat and misfortune, to "love washed with tears", and some even
thought it was poisonous. 16th Century Britain awarded it more positive virtues and
considered it a sweet herb and used in scented waters and even put into nosegays.Where To Buy
Fresh Thai Basil can be purchased at most Asian markets. If you don't live in an area
where you have access to Asian markets you may want to grow your own. You can purchase
live plants and seeds online.
Store
Basil is best picked or purchased fresh and used within a few days. To refrigerate first
wrap whole stalks and leaves in slightly dampened paper towels, place in a plastic bag,
and store for 4 days. Another storage method is to place a "bunch" of
basil stems down, in a glass of water. You can also place a plastic bag over the
leaves and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Basil stored in this manor will benefit
from a water change every couple of days. You can also place basil in a blender with
a small amount of oil, blend, and store in ice cube trays.
Basil is one of the least successful herbs when dried. The dried product loses most
of it's flavor. Better methods of preserving basil include storage in olive oil or
even honey.
Medicinal
Uses
Medicinally basil is used both as an antidepressant and an antiseptic. Leaves can be
rubbed on the skin to relive itching from insect bites. The leaves are also made into a
concoction with honey and used for cough syrup. The essential oil extracted from the
leaves can be used as an insect repellent or massage oil to aid in depression and anxiety.
(Source: Herbs and Herb Gardening, Jessica Houdret)
Credits
and Sources
Hot Sour Salty Sweet - Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid
Ingredients - Loukie Werle and Jill Cox
USDA - Nutritional information
Herbs and Herb Gardening, Jessica Houdret
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Grow
Your Own
Basils are normally planted in
full sun but some of the Thai varieties such as Siam Queen can take as little as 4 -5
hours of sun a day. Thai basil grows up to 2 1/2 feel high and wide so make sure to
provide ample space.How to
Grow
Purchase seeds or live plants (see sources below). Seeds can be started indoors then
transplanted to the garden in early spring. Provide evenly moist, well-drained soil.
Keep the flower buds nipped off to keep the plant putting energy into the leaves and not
the flowers.
Harvest
You can nip individual leaves or cut off the top third of the plant. The plant should be
fertilized with organic fertilizer after each major harvest.
It is best to harvest just before use but it can be stored in
the refrigerator for a short period of time.
Buy Seeds
 Hume Seeds
Evergreen Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Thai
Herbs - sells live basil plants
Culinary Uses
Basil is used abundantly in
both cooked dishes, raw in small amounts as well as for garnish. Recipes may specify a
specific type of basil and if possible it is worth the effort to find the proper type.
Substitute
If your recipe calls for Thai
or Asian basil you can substitute with the common Mediterranean variety with similar but
not the exact taste results.
Recipes
Chicken Basil Gai Pad Gra Pow
Thai Table recipe uses ground
chicken, garlic, fish sauce, Thai chili pepper, and basil.
Basil
Eggplant
Thai Table, recipe for stir
fried eggplant with basil and chili pepper.
Clams
in Hot Basil
Thai Table, Manila clams in spicy basil sauce
More Recipes
From GourmetSleuth that include Thai Basil
Nutrition
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