Sweet Basil: The Seasoning for Almost Anything

When I first started to do some research on this herb, I seriously considered not bothering because it's so common. However, the more I read, the clearer it became that despite the fact that it sits in the spice rack of almost every kitchen throughout the world, it does have some interesting idiosyncrasies about it.

Sweet Basil originally grew in India and Iran. Now it is cultivated mostly in the United States and the Mediterranean region of Europe where the weather is usually hot.

Uses
It's used in a variety of recipes ranging from meat, poultry, and fish dishes to vegetables of all sorts. According to Culinary Cafe, you're more likely to see this herb used in Italian recipes that also call for tomatoes. I've used it to flavor stews and vegetable medleys as well as the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. The Greeks use it when cooking lamb because of the sweetness and its mint aroma. You can even use it to flavor eggs or cheese recipes. It only takes ½ teaspoon per four servings.

I found it very interesting to discover that basil, as a plant in a container of peat moss, will repel insects. Just place a container near your picnic table or your barbecue to stop the bugs and have a minty aroma fill the air. To get this wonderful smell inside, dry the leaves and flowers of sweet basil and use in pot purri. Drop a couple of fresh leaves in your bath water to enjoy a refreshing soak.

Health Issues
Even though it's a popular seasoning, I discovered that it's acceptable to soilbourne fungal disease and gray mold. Although there have been studies done that show a cancer risk, those studies also concluded that it would take at least 100 times the normal exposure for any concern at all.

I found that the health benefits of Sweet Basil clearly overshadowed anything that may be construed as a risk. It's a natural source of beta-carotene. The free radical action in it helps with asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Myths and Legends
Because of how popular Sweet Basil is for cooking, it would stand to reason that there would be tall tales about it too. The myths and legends stretch from Europe to the Middle East, and on into Asia and Africa. For the ancient Romans, it was a symbol of love and fertility. The Jews' legends say Sweet Basil gives strength while fasting. African folklore suggests that the herb protects against scorpions. In Europe, basil is still put in the hands of the departed to ensure a safe journey to God. People of the Hindu religion also have a high reverence for this herb.

Tonight I think I'll make baked chicken rubbing a combination of basil, thyme, and a pinch of garlic before throwing it into the oven.