Basil[a] (Ocimum basilicum[b]), 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.

Understanding the Context

Whether you’re growing it in your backyard, on a patio, or right on your kitchen windowsill, basil is easy to grow and endlessly useful. From starting seeds indoors to snipping the perfect leaves for your next meal, we’ll walk you through how to plant, grow, and harvest basil like a pro. Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa. It’s a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist.

Key Insights

Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is... basil, (Ocimum basilicum), annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant culinary herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

Final Thoughts

Beyond its aroma and flavor, basil is valued for its impressive nutritional profile and natural plant compounds that may support health in multiple ways. Basil plants (Ocimum basilicum) are a popular herb belonging to the mint family. Despite their ties to Italian cuisine, they actually originate from India. Basil's aromatic leaves offer a range of flavors, from lemon-mint to cinnamon and licorice. Basil restaurant in Mount Pleasant offers a fun atmosphere with fantastic service and delicious food. The steamed dumplings are tasty, and the pad thai is peanuty and sweeter than usual but good.

Tasty and fragrant, basil is a delicious annual herb that’s easy to cultivate. Learn about 23 of the best basil varieties now!