Basil for beginners

PLANT THIS MAGICAL HERITAGE HERB FOR OODLES OF FLAVOUR

Hands up if you have a basil plant sitting on your window sill. Until recently, I would have put my hand up, too. But delving into history, I’ve learned how vital this herb is across gastronomy, symbolism and emotion.

Because of that, basil has now been upgraded from the window sill in my home to a permanent place in my garden.

FIRST USES

It might surprise you to learn that peppery-flavoured basil is more than 4000 years old. Across the ancient world, this tender plant was thought to have magical powers.

The Greeks referred to it as kingly, with the ability to open gateways to heaven and they tucked it in the hands of the dead to help give them safe passage to the afterlife.

The Indians planted it around their temples to protect the dead.

The ancient Cretans placed it on window ledges to ward away evil, and it was used during embalming in ancient Egypt and as an antidote for snake and insect bites. Basil is also referenced in some of the 700 herbal medicines of the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical text from c.1550BC.

WHAT BASIL SYMBOLISES

In Portugal, manjerico (a small pot of basil) is given as a gift of love on the religious feast days of St Anthony and St John. It is planted on grave sites as a homage to the deceased in

Egypt, Iran and Malaysia. And in Romania, a woman places basil under her pillow, and if she dreams of a man she likes, they will marry in the next 12 months.

In the Mediterranean, the Italians took a more culinary approach and added it to homemade tomato sauces, pesto and vinegar.

In present-day Australia, basil can be found in greengrocers and supermarkets or on those sunny kitchen window sills, waiting to grace pizzas, pasta and Thai dishes.

BRIGHT COLOUR

If you are shopping for basil, ensure you choose brightly coloured and blemish-free sprigs. Wrap it in a paper towel and place it in the fridge for up to five days. If your basil is homegrown, chop or tear the leaves just before use to prevent them from turning black.

With basil readily available in supermarkets now, it’s the ideal time to pick up a few sprigs and make these delicious winter meals. Scan the QR code for more easy basil recipes