Basil
FridgeBasil and tomatoes are a culinary match made in heaven, and they’re also perfect partners in the garden. Basil leaves make a lovely addition to dishes like caprese salad, tomato pasta, and even chicken dishes. And of course, who could forget about pesto? Basil is part of the mint family and although there are many varieties available (with some estimates saying up to 150), most are cultivars of sweet basil. Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, and it is the traditional choice for dishes like pesto and salad. It pairs beautifully with garlic, lemon, and even certain fruit like strawberries and peach. Though most of us tend to associate the herb with Italian or Thai cuisine, basil actually has its origins in India. Nowadays though, you can find it grown almost everywhere in the world, which isn’t surprising given its rich history in various cultures. For instance, it was used for embalming in Ancient Egypt, was a symbol of mourning in Greece, and had plenty of traditional medicinal uses including as an antidote for snake bites. Thanks to the essential oils and nutrients present in basil, it may help reduce inflammation, fight infections, improve digestive health, and even maintain healthy skin. All the more reason to reach for the pesto, then!
Basil nutrition and vitamin info per 100g
| Energy | 23 | kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.6399999856948853 | g |
| Carbohydrate Total | 2.6500000953674316 | g |
| Sugars | 0.30000001192092896 | g |
| Protein | 3.1500000953674316 | g |
| Sodium | 4 | mg |
| Fiber | 1.600000023841858 | g |
8448 recipes to cook with Basil
Basil substitutes
- Regular substitute
Basil equivalents and varieties
Basil cooking tips
Samsung FoodBasil stored in a fridge will last up to a week.
- Samsung Food
First trim the ends, put the basil in a glass jar filled with of water and cover with a plastic bag. Store it in a refrigerator.