Articles of category "Basil herb"

Basil is a bushy annual plant that is known for the easily recognizable aroma of its leaves, which produce a pleasant minty smell when slightly brushed. But not everyone knows that the stems of the plant when cut produce an even more pungent odor. This herb apart from its acclaimed applications as a spice herb has a number of medicinal properties that become increasingly taken advantage of.

Basil plants are fragrant herbs which are widely used in different cuisines of the world thanks to their culinary attributes. As for basil as it is, it can be of two kinds: sweet basil (Thai basil) and sacred or holy basil. The first kind - Thai basil - is very popular in the cuisines of such countries as Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. The second kind - holy basil - which is commonly called "hot basil" for its peppery flavor. When it is fresh it also has scents of cloves and mint. It is not used raw but as a spice for stir-fried dishes and various spicy soups.