Basil: A Sacred Herb
- Jon Mychal Heatherly
- Feb 28, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 5, 2024
CULTIVARS CURRENTLY IN THE GARDEN:
Sweet Italian Basil
Genovese Basil
Spicy Globe Basil
Cinnamon Basil
A peppery mint
Source: jmheatherly.medium.com
Description of Photo: Overhead view of basil plants showing green rounded basil leaves from above.
Photo by Rob Pumphrey on Unsplash
HISTORY
Find basil in many varieties from India/Southeast Asia, where it goes by Tulsi. Hindu people hold this plant in the highest regard. They believe it to represent the goddess Tulsi, avatar of Lakshmi, disciple of Lord Krishna. As a principal deity in the Indian pantheon, this herb connects heaven and earth.
Basil derives its name from the Greek “Basiliké Stoà” for royal gateway. Or it comes from the myth of the Basilisk, a venomous viper. Ocimum b is a sweet variety (Genovese), but you can also find spicy Thai, citrusy lemon, and other flavors.
Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
Flavor: fresh, black pepper, hints of anise and mint
Uses: pesto, pasta, salad, Margherita pizza
Origin: India and Southeast Asia. The earliest known reference stretches back 5,000 years to Indian Vedic texts.
Related: annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae)
Companions: Tomato, Asparagus, Borage, Chamomile, Oregano, Chives, Garlic, Marigolds, and Peppers. Avoid planting with Cucumbers (they can take on the tase of herbs near them), Fennel (inhibits other plants, stunting them)
Pests: Japanese beetle, slugs, and aphids.
Pollinators: pollinated by small flying insects. The different varieties will cross pollinate, so it is important to isolate a favorite cultivar by at least 150 feet.
GROWTH & HARVEST
Sow basil seeds outdoors when temperatures warm up in early summer to 59°F. Basil needs a sunny spot with well draining soil. Seedlings must be protected from slugs and snails. Basil can also be sown in containers of multi-purpose compost. Some basil can grow quite tall, 12-20 inches tall (30–50cm). Harvest frequently to encourage bushier growth.
BASIL AS FOOD
Nutrition
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient that assists in faster wound healing, and is a good source of iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen through the blood. The aromatic leaves also contain vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, calcium to strengthen bones, manganese to stimulate protein digestion, and antioxidants to provide anti-inflammatory properties to protect against free radical damage.
Recipe: Caprese Salad
Ingredients: Basil, tomato, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Layer Basil, Tomato, Mozzarella and season with olive oil, salt and pepper.
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