Published by: Gourmet Sleuth Last Updated: 01/20/2016
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 Brittan awarded it more positive virtues and considered it a sweet herb and used in scented waters and even put into nosegays.
Basil is now considered one of the most popular and widely used culinary herb
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.
It is suggested to use the diluted essential oil for insect repellent OR use as a massage oil to relieve depression.