Basil is one of the most widely used herbs, with many varieties and cultivars, offering Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) varying flavors suited to particular ethnic is the most widely grown basil in the United dishes, including pesto, pasta sauces, Thai States and there are many varieties. The curries and much more. Basil possibly taste is sweet, floral and delicate, with originated in India and has been cultivated slightly minty notes, an anise‐like aroma and there at least 5,000 years. Basil is a good clove‐like undertones. Using Fresh source of vitamin A, flavanoids and antioxidants and has been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and Genovese Basil (Ocimum antimicrobial properties. In India it is basilicum ‘Genovese’) is a cultivar of sweet Basil traditionally used to treat stress, asthma basil and is one of the most popular basils and diabetes. for culinary use. Genovese basil has a reputation for making the best pesto, as well as the best "insalata caprese," which is dish NDOG Lore The word basil is derived from the consisting of tomato slices topped with Greek word basileus meaning “royal” or mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. “kingly.” Ancient Greek and Romans Nashville Demonstration associated basil with hatred and believed it would grow only if the seeds were sowed Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicu’Dark Organic Garden while screaming wild curses. However, Opal’) is a cultivar of sweet basil, also known later in Italy and elsewhere, basil was a as purple‐leaf basil. It is often grown as an

symbol of love. In the Victorian language ornamental addition for the garden or for a of flowers basil was used to convey the dramatic culinary presentation. Opal basil sender’s best wishes, but could also signify is sweetly pungent with a mild flavor and hatred. In India, basil has religious hints of ginger. It is versatile, adding color significance and the Hindu religion and flavor to a wide variety of recipes. Try May 22, 2015 associates holy basil with purification, adding opal basil and edible flowers to protection, love and eternal life. Hindus create a colorful mixed green salad. used holy basil in burial rituals and devout Master Gardeners Hindus may sleep with a basil leaf on their Debra Bolding chest, as a passport to Paradise. In the Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum and Christian tradition, basil is said to have basilicum’Cinnamon) as used here refers to grown at the site of Christ’s crucifixion and Gary Driver a cultivar of sweet basil. (“Cinnamon basil” is part of the St. Basil feast day celebrations also be used as a synonym for Thai basil or in Greece on January 1st. may refer to a particular variety of Thai basil.) Cinnamon basil, has a spicy, fragrant once it is minced or cooked. Lemon basil is aroma and flavor and contains methyl mild enough to flavor grilled fish or shrimp Cooking Tips cinnamate, the same chemical that gives and can be substituted for basil if you are cinnamon its flavor. looking for a fresh twist of flavor. Finely Most basils should be used fresh and added chop and add it to pasta with julienne during the last moments of cooking. Over vegetables and a flavorful extra virgin olive cooking basil will result in loss of flavor. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. oil for a light and delicious meal. Cooking Incorporate the whole leaf or mince finely with a sharp kitchen knife, depending on your with lemon basil is fun and easy, as there thyrsiflora ) Thai basil is a variety of sweet recipe. When substituting fresh herbs in a that has been cultivated to provide are no rules—just add to any of your recipe calling for dry, one part dry is equal to distinctive traits. Widely used throughout favorite recipes. Lemon basil is often used three parts fresh. Southeast Asia, its anice or licorice flavor, is in Indonesian and Thai Cuisines more stable under high or extended cooking temperatures than that of sweet basil. Visit Nashville Demonstration African Blue Basil Garden, ND O G, each F riday (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum May through September during Lime Basil - (Ocimum americanum 'Dark Opal') is a hybrid of camphor basil and market hours. ‘Lime’) is a cultivar of African basil, Ocimum Dark Opal basil and one of the few basils americanum. Similar to lemon basil, but that is perennial. As a hybrid, African Blue with a tangy lime flavor and fragrance. Use Basil is unable to produce seeds of its own, lime basil to flavor fish and chicken dishes, and is propagated by cuttings. It blooms vinegars, dressings, fruit salsas, chutneys, profusely like an annual, but being sterile sauces, herb teas and herb oils. Great does not go to seed. It is also taller than Check out the Howard County accompaniment with broiled or grilled fish or many basil cultivars. These blooms are shellfish, or in traditional Thai dishes when beautiful in arrangements and excellent at Farmers’ Market page at Lemongrass or Kaffir Lime isn't readily attracting bees and other pollinators. nashvillear.com for updates on available. what is happening in the garden It has similarities to both Thai and sweet and what is expected at market basil, yet has a flavor all its own. Its long, or contact Market Managers Lemon Basil - (Ocimum × pink flowers also make a striking garnish. Debra Bolding (870) 557-2352 or citriodorum), also called Thai lemon basil or Not widely used as a culinary herb, but may Lao basil. Lemon basil is a hybrid between be used as the other basils and can add a Mary Hartness (501) 472-8092 sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and African complexity to the dish, tasting like more for more information. basil (Ocimum americanum). It is primarily than one herb has been used. grown in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. Lemon basil is known for its distinct lemon aroma that is especially pungent