From en.wikipedia.org:
[Important culinary herb] [Other uses] [Basel] [date=February 2022]
{{speciesbox |image = Basil-Basilico-Ocimum basilicum-albahaca.jpg |genus =
Ocimum |species = basilicum |authority = L. }}
BASIL{{efn|[ˈ], [BAZ];[1] [USalso], [BAY];[2]}} (_OCIMUM BASILICUM_{{efn|[ˈ],
[OS][3][4]}}), also called GREAT BASIL, is a culinary herb of the family
Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide.
In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known
as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from
Central Africa to Southeast Asia.[5] In temperate climates basil is treated as
an annual plant, but it can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in
warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.<ref
name="simon" />
There are many varieties of basil including sweet basil, Thai basil (_O.
basilicum_ var. _thyrsiflora_), and Mrs. Burns' Lemon (_O._[Nbsp]_basilicum
var. citriodora_). _O. basilicum_ can cross-pollinate with other species of
the _Ocimum_ genus, producing hybrids such as lemon basil (_O. ×
citriodorum_) and African blue basil (_O. × kilimandscharicum_).
** Description
Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb. Depending on the variety,
plants can reach heights of between [30 and 150].[6] Basil leaves are glossy
and ovulate, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup
slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems.[7] Leaves
may be green or purple. Its flowers are small and white, and grow from a
central inflorescence, or spike, that emerges from the central stem atop the
plant.[date=April 2019] Unusual among Lamiaceae, the four stamens and the
pistil are not pushed under the upper lip of the corolla, but lie over the
inferior lip. After entomophilous pollination, the corolla falls off and four
round achenes develop inside the bilabiate calyx.[date=April 2019]
*** Phytochemistry
The various basils have such distinct scents because the volatile aromatic
compounds vary with cultivars.<ref name="simon" /> The essential oil from
European basil contains high concentrations of linalool and methyl chavicol
(estragole), in a ratio of about 3:1.<ref name="simon" />[8] Other
constituents include: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and myrcene, among others.<ref
name="simon" />[9] The clove scent of sweet basil is derived from eugenol.[10]
The aroma profile of basil includes 1,8-cineole[11][12] and methyl
eugenol.<ref name="suie" />[13] In this species eugenol is synthesised from
coniferyl acetate and NADPH.[14]
*** Similar species
Some similar species in the same genus may be commonly called "basil",
although they are not varieties of _Ocimum basilicum_.
- Camphor basil, African basil ( _O. kilimandscharicum_ )
- Clove basil, also African basil ( _Ocimum gratissimum_ ) [15] [16]
- Holy basil ( _Ocimum tenuiflorum_ , formerly known as _O. sanctum_ ) [17]
** Taxonomy
[List of basil cultivars] [date=February 2021]
The exact taxonomy of basil is uncertain due to the immense number of
cultivars, its ready polymorphy, and frequent cross-pollination (resulting in
new hybrids) with other members of the genus _Ocimum_ and within the species.
_Ocimum basilicum_ has at least 60 varieties, which further complicates
taxonomy.<ref name="simon" />
*** Cultivars
Most basils are cultivars of sweet basil. Most basil varieties have green
leaves, but a few are purple, such as, 'Purple Delight'.
- Anise basil , Licorice basil , or Persian basil ( _O. basilicum_ 'Liquorice')
- Cinnamon basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Cinnamon')
- Dark opal basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Dark Opal')
- Genovese basil or Sweet Basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ )
- Greek basil ( _Ocimum basilicum var. minimum_ )
- Globe basil , dwarf basil, French basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Minimum') [18]
- Lettuce leaf basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Crispum')
- Napolitano basil, also known as Napoletano basil, Neapolitan basil, Mammoth basil , Bolloso Napoletano basil, Napolitano Mammoth-Leafed basil, or Italian Large-Leaf basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ )
- Purple basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Purpurescens')
- Rubin basil ( _Ocimum basilicum_ 'Rubin')
- Thai basil ( _Ocimum basilicum thyrsifolium_ )
*** Hybrids
- African blue basil ( _Ocimum basilicum × O. kilimandscharicum_ )
- Lemon basil ( _Ocimum basilicum × O. americanum_ ) [19] [20]
- Spice basil ( _Ocimum basilicum × O. americanum_ ), which is sometimes sold as holy basil
*** Etymology
The name "basil" comes from the Latin [la], and the Greek [el] ([el]), meaning
"royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been
used in production of royal perfumes.[21] Basil is likewise sometimes referred
to in French as [fr] ('the royal herb').[22] The Latin name has been confused
with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's
venom.<ref name="eo" />
** Distribution and habitat
Basil is native to India and other tropical regions stretching from Africa to
South East Asia, but has now become globalized due to human cultivation.<ref
name="simon" />
** Cultivation
[date=February 2021]
*** Growing conditions
Basil is sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. Basil
prefers high light conditions and grows best under full sun conditions.
Increasing light intensity, particularly the photosynthetic photon flux
density, can significantly enhance the plant's fresh weight, dry matter
content, and height.[23]
However, due to its common use, basil is cultivated in many countries around
the world. Production areas include countries in the Mediterranean area,
those in the temperate zone, and others in subtropical
climates.[24][date=March 2022]
In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South
Island of New Zealand, basil grows best if sown under glass in a peat pot,
then planted out in late spring/early summer[25] (when there is little chance
of a frost); however, it can also thrive when planted outside in these
climates. Additionally, it may be sown in soil once chance of frost is past.
It fares best in well-drained soil with direct exposure to the sun.[date=June
2021]
Although basil grows best outdoors, it can be grown indoors in a pot and, like
most herbs, will do best on a sun-facing windowsill, kept away from cold
drafts. A greenhouse or row cover is ideal if available. It can, however,
even be grown in a basement under fluorescent lights. Supplemental lighting
produces greater biomass and phenol production, with red + blue specifically
increasing growth and flower bud production. [UV-B] increases the volatiles
in _O. basilicum_ essential oil, which has not been reproducible in other
plants, and so may be unique to the genus or even to this species.[26]
Basil prefers well-drained organic soils, as adequate oxygen availability in
the root zone is essential for optimal plant growth. Poor soil drainage can
lead to root hypoxia, which negatively affects overall plant development and
essential oil yield.[27]
*** Pruning, flowering, and seeding
Once a stem produces flowers, foliage production stops on that stem, the stem
becomes woody, and essential oil production declines. To prevent this, a
basil-grower may pinch off any flower stems before they are fully mature.
Because only the blooming stem is so affected, some stems can be pinched for
leaf production, while others are left to bloom for decoration or seeds.
Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote growth, largely because the
plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into
new stems.[date=October 2024]
Once the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods containing small
black seeds, which can be saved and planted the following year. If allowed to
go to seed, a basil plant will grow back the next year.[date=October 2024]
*** Propagation methods
**** Seeds
The optimal germination temperature for basil seeds ranges between
34.5–39.0°C, while the base germination temperature lies between
9.8–13.2°C.[date=May 2025] No significant variation in optimal germination
temperature has been observed among different basil cultivars.[28] Prior to
sowing, basil (_Ocimum basilicum_) seeds can be hydroprimed by soaking in
water for 12 hours, which effectively enhances germination rates and seedling
vigor.[29]
**** Cuttings
Basil (_Ocimum basilicum_ L.) is commonly propagated through cuttings.
Compared to seed propagation, basil cuttings tend to result in earlier harvest
and higher yield. The typical propagation method involves selecting healthy,
non-lignified stem segments approximately 5–10 cm in length, preferably apical
shoots that retain 2 to 5 leaves, which are then inserted into moist soil
until root development occurs. After rooting, the plantlets are transplanted
into the field.[30] Exposing basil cuttings to blue light significantly
accelerates root formation, thereby shortening the growth period.[31]
*** Diseases
Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce
yield. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill
younger basil plants. Seedlings may be killed by _Pythium_ damping off. A
common foliar disease of basil is gray mold caused by _Botrytis cinerea_; it
can cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant.
Black spot can be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the fungi genus
_Colletotrichum_. Downy mildew caused by _Peronospora belbahrii_ is a
significant disease, as first reported in Italy in 2003.[32] It was reported
in the Florida in 2007 and by 2008 had spread along the eastern United States,
reaching Canada.[33][34] Basil cultivars resistant to _P. belbahrii_ have
been developed.[35]
Non-pathogenic bacteria found on basil include _Novosphingobium_ species.[36]
** Uses
[ name=Basil, fresh ]
*** Culinary
[Cookbook] Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is
added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. The fresh herb can be
kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer
period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling
water.[date=October 2024] It has a flavor resembling that of liquorice.[37]
**** Leaves and flowers
The most commonly used Mediterranean basil cultivars are "Genovese", "Purple
Ruffles", "Mammoth", "Cinnamon", "Lemon", "Globe", and "African
Blue".[date=March 2025] Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, an
Italian sauce with olive oil and basil as its primary ingredients, and is used
in other sauces and salad dressings.<ref name=":0" /> Many national cuisines
use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods, such as to thicken soups.
Basil is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create flavor in ice cream or
chocolate truffles.[date=October 2024] It is sometimes used to infuse oils and
vinegars.<ref name=":0" />
Lemon basil has a strong lemony smell and flavor due to the presence of
citral. It is widely used in Indonesia, where it is called [id] and served
raw as an accompaniment to meat or fish.[date=October 2024]
**** Seeds
[Basil seeds]
When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous,
and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as the Indian _faluda_, the
Iranian [fa], or [vi].[date=February 2021] In Kashmir, the Ramadan fast is
often broken with _babre beole_, a sharbat made with basil seeds.[38]
*** Folk medicine
Basil is used in folk medicine practices, such as those of Ayurveda or
traditional Chinese medicine.[39]<!--note, the source is more specific-->
*** Insecticide and insect repellent
Studies of the essential oil have shown insecticidal and insect-repelling
properties,[40] including potential toxicity to mosquitos.[41] The essential
oil is found by Huignard et al. 2008 to inhibit electrical activity by
decreasing action potential amplitude, by shortening the post
hyperpolarization phase, and reducing the action frequency of action
potentials. In Huignard's opinion this is due to the linalool and estragole,
the amplitude reduction due to linalool, and the phase shortening due to
both.[42]
_Callosobruchus maculatus_, a pest which affects cowpea, is repelled by the
essential oil.<ref name="Regnault-Roger-et-al-2012" /> The essential oil mixed
with kaolin is both an adulticide and an ovicide, effective for three months
against _C. maculatus_ in cowpea.<ref name="Regnault-Roger-et-al-2012" /> The
thrips _Frankliniella occidentalis_ and _Thrips tabaci_ are repelled by _O.
basilicum_, making this useful as an insect repellent in other crops.[43] The
pests _Sitophilus oryzae_, _Stegobium paniceum_, _Tribolium castaneum_, and
_Bruchus chinensis_ are evaluated by Deshpande et al. 1974 and '77.<ref
name="Regnault-Roger-et-al-2012" />
*** Nematicide
The essential oil is found by Malik et al. 1987 and Sangwan et al. 1990 to
be nematicidal against _Tylenchulus semipenetrans_, _Meloidogyne javanica_,
_Anguina tritici_, and _Heterodera cajani_.[44]
*** Bacterial and fungal inhibition
The essential oil of the leaf and terminal shoot is effective against a large
number of bacterial species including _Lactiplantibacillus plantarum_ and
_Pseudomonas_ spp.[45] The essential oil of the leaf and terminal shoot is
also effective against a large number of fungal species including
_Aspergillus_ spp., _Candida_ spp., _Mucor_ spp., and _Geotrichum
candidum_.<ref name="apia" /><ref name="Davidson-et-al-2013" />
** In culture
*** Religion
There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The ancient
Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed basil would open the gates of heaven for
a person passing on.[46][reason=This is a book about herbalism and alternative
medicine, not about ancient history.] However, Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper saw
basil as a plant of dread and suspicion.[date=March 2022][47]
In Portugal, dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together
with a poem and a paper carnation, to a sweetheart, on the religious holidays
of John the Baptist (see [Saint John's Eve]) and Saint Anthony of
Padua.[date=September 2023]
Basil has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is
used to sprinkle holy water.[48] The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Serbian
Orthodox Church, Macedonian Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church use
basil ([bg], [bg]; [sr], [sr]; [mk], [mk]) to prepare holy water and pots of
basil are often placed below church altars.[49] Some Greek Orthodox Christians
avoid eating it due to its association with the legend of the Elevation of the
Holy Cross.[50]
*** Art and literature
In Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th century _Decameron_, the fifth story of the
narrative's fourth day involves a pot of basil as a central plot device. This
famous story inspired John Keats to write his 1814 poem "Isabella, or the Pot
of Basil", which was in turn the inspiration for two paintings of the
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: John Everett Millais's _Isabella_ in 1849 and in
1868 the _Isabella and the Pot of Basil_ by William Holman Hunt.[date=February
2021]
** See also
- List of basil cultivars
** Notes
[notelist]
** References
[Reflist]
** External links
- Basil: Knowing and Growing (see http://libguides..nybg.org/basil/) New York Botanical Garden
[Herbs & spices] [Transient receptor potential channel modulators]
[from=Q38859] [Authority control] [auto=yes]
Category:Articles containing video clips Category:Flora of tropical Asia
Category:Flora of the Mediterranean basin Category:Herbs Category:Indian
spices Category:Insect repellents Category:Mediterranean cuisine
Category:Medicinal plants of Asia Category:Ocimum Category:Botanical taxa
named by Carl Linnaeus