Sweet basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum L. The low-growing bush basil (Ocimum minimum) is a separate species, but it is probably a variant of sweet basil. Much of the herb grown today is a hybrid, a cross between Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum americanum. There are many cultivars of basil that have their own denomination. Other Common Names: Basil, common basil, garden basil, St. Joseph's wort, basilicon, joy of the mountain, basilikum (German), basilic (French), lo-le (Chinese), basilika (Swedish)…

Basil is the "king of herbs", a plant that has been used in both food and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Of the many varieties you can choose for your garden, bush basil plants are compact and showier than sweet basil. Learn more about them here.

Discover if basil belongs in a gout diet and does it help lower uric acid levels or does it raise them. Click now to learn more!

Edible Landscaping, herbs, strawberries

A relative of mint, basil thrives in hot, dry climates. Though it is predominantly associated with Mediterranean cuisines, the herb is native to India and used the world over in fresh and cooked preparations. There are more than 40 culinary basil varieties ranging in flavor from delicately herbaceous to downright emphatic—these 8 are our favorites. Try experimenting with them to take your pestos, sauces, and salads in different directions.

Magical Properties of Sweet Basil | Basil Materia Magicka » Plentiful Earth

When I married my Italian husband, I had to learn to make a marinara sauce. I stood next to my father-in-law at the stove and watched him make the family favorite. I took that information, put my spin on it and created my own version. Adjust it to your own personal taste and discover a new family tradition.

Basil is a delightful kitchen herb with a sweetly spicy flavor, fast growth, and easy cultivation. But should it be allowed to flower? Find out now.

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Basil has definitely arrived at the party. Bunch upon fragrant bunch are cramming tables at the markets. Not surprisingly we mostly think green and the same familiar scent and flavor when basil comes to mind. But there are loads of heirloom varieties that are becoming much easier to track down. (and grow yourself!) Try a new one on your next trip to the market. What's old will be a little newer again. Genovese Basil: The traditional Italian large-leafed sweet basil that we all know and love…