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Plant-BasedHerbs
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Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Facts

Basil is a high-aroma herb that shifts quickly from peppery-green to sweet-anise notes depending on variety and handling.

Regional names

Sweet basil, Tulsi basil, Genovese basil

Origin

Tender aromatic herb cultivated for fresh leaves, infused oils, and quick sauces.

Native region

Tropical Asia and Africa

Season

Peak in warm summer months; greenhouse supply extends availability

Food Combinations & Timing

✅

Safe Combination Profile

It is safe to eat this food item with other food items.

Nutritional profile

Calories

23 kcal / 100 g

Protein

3.2 g

Carbs

2.7 g

Fat

0.6 g

Fiber

1.6 g

Water content

92% fresh

Glycemic index

Negligible

Vitamins

  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin A

Minerals

  • Manganese
  • Calcium

Health benefits

Evidence-aligned highlights

  • Provides vitamin K in fresh leaf servings.
  • Contains fragrant volatile compounds with antioxidant activity.
  • Helps deliver strong flavor without needing heavy sauces or salt.

Flavor notes

Sweet, Peppery, Anise-like, Green

Texture

Tender and delicate

Aroma

Highly perfumed and fresh

Pairings

Tomato, Olive oil, Mozzarella, Lemon, Strawberry

Safety & toxicity

Edible parts

Leaves, Tender stems, Flowers in culinary varieties

Toxic or risky parts

No common toxic parts in food basil

Raw vs cooked

Usually best fresh or added at the end of cooking to protect aroma.

Allergies & intolerances

Herb allergy is uncommon but possible.

Drug interactions

Very large medicinal-style intakes are different from normal culinary use.

Safe daily limit

Normal garnish and sauce portions are fine for most adults.

⚠️ Notice: This safety profile is a general guideline. Dietary tolerances differ; consult a healthcare professional for allergies or drug interactions. See our full disclaimer.

Who should avoid & how to handle it

Who should avoid or moderate

  • People with unusual herb sensitivities should test small amounts first.

Preparation & storage

  • Clean: Rinse gently and dry thoroughly to avoid bruising.
  • Cut: Tear or chiffonade leaves just before serving.
  • Cook: Fold into sauces, soups, pasta, and stir-fries at the end.
  • Store: Keep stems in water at cool room temperature or loosely wrapped in the fridge.
  • Preserve: Blend into pesto or freeze chopped leaves in oil.

Cuisine & cultural use

Common cuisines

  • Italian
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
  • Mediterranean

Basil appears in Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, often because its flavor structure and prep speed fit both everyday cooking and ceremonial dishes.

Dynamic Substitutions

No alternatives recorded for this specific item. It is chemically or botanically unique in the database.

🌱 Cultivation & Production

Basil Home Growing Guide

Learn how to grow and cultivate basil at home, whether you live in an urban apartment or have access to outdoor garden land.

Apartment Friendly

✓ Highly Recommended

Yes

Urban Space Advice

Excellent for indoor windowsills. Plant in a 6-inch pot with drainage holes.

Difficulty

Easy

Propagation

Seeds or stem cuttings (mint and basil root quickly in water).

Soil Type

Organic potting mix with good aeration

Watering

Moderate (keep damp, don't waterlog)

Sunlight

Bright window / partial sun (4-6 hours daily)

Best Season

Spring to Summer outdoors; year-round indoors

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

  1. 1

    Fill a small pot (with drainage holes) with organic potting soil.

  2. 2

    Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep (or insert a stem cutting that has been rooted in water).

  3. 3

    Place on a sunny windowsill facing south or west.

  4. 4

    Water gently when the topsoil feels dry, and pinch back top growth to keep it bushy.

Quick recipes

Fast recipes using Basil

Snack

Quick Basil Pesto Toast

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Crispy toast topped with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and flaky salt.

Ingredients

Servings:2
  • 1 slice rustic bread, toasted
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh basil pesto
  • 3 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt

Nutrition

  • 210 kcal
  • 4 g protein
  • 18 g carbs
  • 13 g fat

Preparation Steps

  1. 1Spread fresh basil pesto over the toasted bread cheek.
  2. 2Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
  3. 3Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Snack

Zesty Lime Cabbage Slaw

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A shredded cabbage side salad seasoned with fresh lime juice and olive oil.

Ingredients

Servings:2
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Nutrition

  • 130 kcal
  • 1 g protein
  • 6 g carbs
  • 12 g fat

Preparation Steps

  1. 1Toss the shredded cabbage and chopped basil in a bowl.
  2. 2Whisk lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small cup.
  3. 3Pour dressing over the slaw and toss until well combined.

Snack

Simple Tomato Basil Caprese

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Slices of ripe tomato, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with olive oil.

Ingredients

Servings:2
  • 1 ripe tomato, sliced
  • 50g fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 5-6 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Nutrition

  • 220 kcal
  • 9 g protein
  • 5 g carbs
  • 19 g fat

Preparation Steps

  1. 1Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese on a serving plate.
  2. 2Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
  3. 3Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and finish with a pinch of salt.