Basil
Basil is an aromatic herb very common in Italy, botanically known as Ocimum basilicum and belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. In some countries, basil is known as the Grass of St. Joseph.
Basil in the kitchen
Basil is used in almost exclusively Italian cuisine, and is timidly popular in the culinary traditions of South East Asia and Indonesian cuisine, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Taiwan. In Taiwan, basil is a seasoned condiment for fish dishes and to give thick soups. In Thailand basil is consumed with fried chicken and some ice cream add to the flavors based on cream, milk and chocolate to create a contrast. The Vietnamese soup is made with basil spaghetti!
Although we Italians almost exclusively use the leaves, even the basil buds are edible and rich in nutritional properties. Just like buds, seeds are also used in cooking: the seeds, mixed with water, create a gelatinous compound used to prepare sweets like Faluda or Asian drinks.
Dried basil has an aroma and a very different flavor from fresh basil. That is why we recommend using the freezer to preserve basil.
There are many varieties of basil and are distinguished by the flavor of the leaves which may be more or less pungent.
Basil, medicinal properties
In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is used for its medicinal properties. Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India. For its healing properties, basil in India is called blessed basil.
In Ayrvedica medicine basil is used for the preparation of supplements that promote respiratory health. It is used to resolve stomach upset and to improve digestion. According to Indian traditional medicine experts, basil could improve sleep quality and promote mental clarity. Also in the Western world are the revitalizing properties of basil: in aromatherapy, essential basil oil is used to stimulate concentration. Aromatherapy teaches us that Basil Essential Oil, widespread in the home environment, cleanses the mind and makes it difficult to solve problems. It is advisable to spread it even in the bedroom, during periods of stress, to improve sleep quality and ability to cope with problems.
Basalt macerates and other preparations are used to relieve muscle cramps and rheumatism. Basil is considered an ancient natural remedy to counter cold and soothe the burn caused by insect bites.
Thanks to its 1.8-cineol content, basil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Basil nutritional properties
As stated, basil can count on an interesting nutritional profile. Here are nutritional values for 100 grams of product:
Basil calories: 22 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2.65 g
Food fiber: 1.6 g
Fat: 0.64 g
Protein: 3.15 g
Vitamin A: 264 mcg
Beta carotene: 3142 mcg
Thiamin (B1): 0.034 mg
Riboflavin (B2): 0.076 mg
Niacin (B3): 0.902 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5): 0.209 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.155 mg
Pholate (B 9): 68 mcg
Colin: 11.4 mg
Vitamin C: 18.0 mg
Vitamin E: 0.80 mg
Vitamin K: 414.8 mcg
Calcium: 177 mg
Ferro: 3.17 mg
Magnesium: 64 mg
Manganese: 1.148 mg
Phosphorus: 56 mg
Potassium: 295 mg
Sodium: 4 mg
Zinc: 0.81 mg
After all this description
I wish all of you and your family a good and serene Sunday 
