Basil

Basil is one of the most commonly used herbs in the kitchen and is readily available at almost any supermarket, greengrocer or market. However, there are also special varieties that are less commonly sold but are particularly flavourful.

Latin name: Ocimum basilicum
Height: 30–150 cm
Flowering period: late summer
Life cycle: 1 year

Description:
Basil originally comes from Central Africa and Southeast Asia. Today, basil is cultivated all over the world. Depending on the variety, basil grows between 30 and 150 cm tall. There are more than 60 different varieties. The most common and widely used types are sweet basil.

A few examples include:

• Anise or liquorice basil
• Cinnamon basil
• Purple basil
• Thai basil

In the kitchen
The leaves of basil are most commonly used. However, in dishes such as pesto, the stems can also be used without any issue. The leaves can be frozen or dried as well.

The small white flowers that appear at the end of summer can also be used. These strongly scented flowers have a clove-like aroma and should therefore be used sparingly.

In the herb garden
Basil is technically a perennial plant, but it is not frost-hardy and is therefore always grown as an annual for culinary use. The plant prefers moist soil in a sheltered spot and does not tolerate full sun.

Growing basil from seed is very easy. The seeds germinate readily, and repotting can be done after just a few weeks.