Tearing basil

In Mythconceptions [ FT397:23] we are invited to clarify whether tearing basil leaves genuinely releases flavour, or if chefs are just being “all poncey”. I do not have the kind of time or energy to undertake such an investigation into the ponceyness or otherwise of our nation’s chefs. Just how do you propose I scale such behaviour? I think this is one of those cases where a little mystery is a good thing.

James Wright Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex