Ocimum basilicum from which Basil Leaf is harvested is a tender low-growing herb that is grown as a perennial in warm, tropical climates. Basil is originally native to India & other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years but is now grown all over the world & features in almost all cuisine styles. Basil Leaf is also known as St. Joseph’s Wort & Sweet Basil. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including, most notably, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Basil is very sensitive to cold, & best growth in hot, dry conditions. While most common varieties are treated as annuals, some are perennial, including African Blue & Holy Thai basil. History of Basil: - The word Basil comes from the Greek (basileus), meaning king, as it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine & Helen discovered the Holy Cross. The Oxford English Dictionary quotes speculations that basil may have been used in some royal unguent, bath, or medicine. Basil is still considered the king of herbs by many cookery authors. An alternative etymology has basil coming from the Latin word basilicus, meaning dragon & being the root for basilisk, but this was a likely linguistic reworking of the word as brought from Greece. Basil Leaf Cut Herb Or Fine Ground - Ocimum Basilicum
