What is basil used for?

What is basil used for?

Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.

What goes good with basil?

The most commonly known pairing of basil is with tomatoes, but here are other foods that go well with basil along with recipe ideas and links.

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil.
• Olive Oil.
• Garlic.
• Balsamic Vinegar.
• Fruit.
• Mint.
• Lemon.
• Eggplant.

When can basil be used?

For the most intense flavor, fresh basil should be added at the end of the cooking process. Prolonged heat will cause basil’s volatile oils to dissipate. If using dried basil, it needs to be included at the start of a recipe so the herb has time to soften and infuse with the other ingredients.

What part of basil is used?

basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.

Can you cook with fresh basil?

Raw or cooked, fresh basil adds its own distinct, beloved flavor to any number of dishes. It’s one of those herbs that home cooks turn to so often that many have found it more convenient to grow their own so they always have a supply on hand.

Can you cook fresh basil?

Can you drink basil tea?

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as tea using the leaves. And since it’s caffeine-free, it’s OK and even recommended to drink daily.

Can basil be eaten raw?

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.

What foods contain basil?

1. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil. Perhaps one of the most well-known dishes with basil is the Caprese salad. In this salad, basil leaves are layered over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese and lightly drizzled with olive oil.

What are some good uses for Basil?

Basil can be used to jazz up everything from pasta and risotto to stir-fries and pork chops. If you have a monster haul of basil, the top way to use it all up is definitely pesto. This blend of basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil is one of the most versatile condiments around.

What can you make with Basil?

Add basil to pasta. Basil and pasta have long been paired together, and with good reason as they’re ideal food mates. Include fresh basil when making the tomato sauce from scratch. Basil and tomato are a perfect flavor combination. Make basil pesto pasta to make the absolute most of the flavor of the basil.

What are the culinary uses of Basil?

Although basil is not used for culinary purposes as food in India, the leaves are used to prepare a herbal tea-like remedy which is thought to be helpful for colds or flu. A tonic wine can also be made from the leaves.