Basils: The King of Herbs

Basil lovers won't be surprised to learn that basil, the herb of the year for 2003, derives its name from the Greek work "basilkon", meaning "royal". Basil is quite likely the most popular herb in the United States and is used widely around the world.

Folklore 

A native of Africa and Asia, bail is held in reverence as a plant imbued with divine qualities.  Indians chose this herb to swear their oaths upon in courts.  Basil was found growing around Christ's romb after the resurrection and some Greek orthodox churches use it to prepare 'holy' water.  In rural Mexico it is sometimes carried in pockets to magnetize money and to return a lovers roving eye.  Ladies often carried a sprig of basil in their nosegays; it was believed, as Gerard wrote, "a remedy for melancholy people....the smell of Basil is good for the heart and for the head....cureth the infirmities of the heart, takes away sorrowfulness...and maketh a man merry and glad." 

Cultivation

If you are looking for an easy herb to grow to start a herb garden with, you definitely don't want to miss out on basil.  It is one of the most non-demanding plants that you can grow.  Outside of a warn sunny location, it really isn't hard at all to please.  Basil may be grown in any well drained soil.  It is well adapted to pot culture and may be grown in a warm sunny window for short periods of time.  It is necessary to not over water basil plants when in the seedling stage as they are prone to damping off at this stage.  

Harvest basil leaves at any time.  They are best when young and tender.  Avoid allowing plants to bloom to keep leaf growing and a steady supply of basil leaf through the growing season.  

Uses of Basil

Almost everyone has used basil in cooking at some point or other and it is one of the easiest to use culinary herbs available.  It also can be very effective in the annual border with its various sizes, colors, shapes and textures.  Basil grows very well in containers.  

Culinary

Basil is undoubtedly the most popular culinary herb in the United States today.  The demand for Sweet Basil has caught us off guard on more than one occasion.  Basils leaves may be mixed in with a fresh salad to give it a little extra zest.  Basil goes wonderfully well with all tomato dishes and is excellent on most other fresh garden vegetables.  Basils rich pungent flavor compliments garlic and it is the primary ingredient in Pesto and many Mediterranean dishes.  When cooking with fresh basil add chopped basil at the last minute for the best flavor.  

Landscaping

Although it is obviously a culinary herb, don't overlook using basil as a strong landscaping and ornamental plant.  With its varieties of colors, sizes and textures it is a great choice for the border garden.  Consider using basils in locations where you would use a sun coleus.  

The most obvious ornamental basil is "Purple Ruffles", with its deep purple color and the ruffled texture of its leaves.  There are other colored basils as well that have a more vigorous growth habit.  Also strong ornamental basils are "African Blue", Cinnamon, and Thai Basil.  These all have attractive purple bloom stalks that are very attractive to bees.  Holy Basil Red & Green is a uniquely colored basil that is sure to catch attention.  

If you don't have the space that standard basil will require consider using one of the dwarf basils. They may often be used at  the front of the border where a neat tidy appearance is needed.  As always the spicy fragrance of Basil is welcomed in the landscape.  

Household and Garden

Whole basil plants help to deter many insects.  Plant basil near plants that tomatoes, squash and other plants that insects attack regularly.  Planted near steps and doors basil will deter ants and flies.  

Flowering basil tops and leaves are often added to a bath for invigoration.  

Medicinal  

Basil teas and tonics are said to relieve indigestion.  To make a tonic infuse a few fresh leaves in wine for a few hours before using.  Teas are usually made with dried basil leaves.  

In aromatherapy, basil is said to aid in preventing mental and emotional fatigue.  A drop of the essential oil may be placed on ones sleeve to use in long days.   

Our Plants

Our basil plants are sold in 4 inch pots and are sown on a regular basis to ensure a constant supply of fresh plants.  African Blue basil must be propagated by cuttings.  

Recipes

This site created and maintained by Steve McCannon / Cedar Ridge Farm

We will gladly grant permission for the use of any information on this site.  

Page updated last at Monday, January 17, 2005