Origin:
Basil has been cultivated in India and southeastern Asia
for nearly 5,000 years and has become a universally loved spice. Today, 50
different species grow throughout the world.
Description:
The flavor of
Mediterranean varieties is mild and sweet and can be used in abundance in
cooking as well as eaten in salads. Asian basil tends to be spicier with more
of a clove-mint flavor than its European cousin but is often used just as
liberally in Thai and Vietnamese cooking.
Applications:
Basil is
prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian,
Thai and Vietnamese. It is essential in Italian cooking and is used in a
wide variety of sauces and dishes and is the base ingredient for pesto.
