Ocimum basilicum Sweet basil (Labiatae)

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Ocimum basilicum
Sweet basil
(1 Page of 5)

The Ocimum basilicum plant species is found in Tropical Asia? It is a member of the Labiatae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sweet basil.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ocimum basilicum
Common Name:  Sweet basil
Family:  Labiatae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.45   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Long cultivated, its original habitat is obscure[132].

Edible Uses: Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked[4, 21, 27]. Used as a flavouring or as a spinach[14, 61], they are used especially with tomato dishes, pasta sauces, beans, peppers and aubergines[238]. The leaves are normally used fresh but can also be dried for winter use[21]. A very pleasant addition to salads[K], the leaves have a delightful scent of cloves[4]. Use the leaves sparingly in cooking because the heat concentrates the flavour[244]. A refreshing tea is made from the leaves[21]. The seed can be eaten on its own or added to bread dough as a flavouring[183]. When soaked in water it becomes mucilaginous and can be made into a refreshing beverage called 'cherbet tokhum' in the Mediterranean[183]. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used as a food flavouring in mustards, sauces, vinegars etc[57, 105, 183]

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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