Basil

HerbAromaticSweet-herbalAnisePepperyMintyGreenAromaticFresh

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories: 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbs (g): 2.65
Fiber (g): 1.6
Sodium (mg): 4

Delicate leaves with concentrated aroma; low calorie density and mostly water. Flavor diminishes with prolonged heat and cold damage.

Storage

Room temp: up to 2 days
Refrigerated: up to 5 days
Frozen: up to 180 days

Basil is a tender leafy herb with bright green, oval leaves. Its flavor is sweet-herbal with hints of anise and pepper, and the delicate leaves bruise easily and fade with prolonged heat. Use whole leaves to finish pasta and pizza, chiffonade into salads, or pound into pesto; it is commonly sold in bunches or as potted plants.

Sweet basil originated in tropical Asia and spread through Persia to the Mediterranean. It is central to Italian cooking and is grown in summer fields and year-round in greenhouse production.