Basil
Hindi Name: Pudina
Botanical name
Ocimum basilicum L
Family name
Lamiaceaee
Commercial part
Leaf
The name basil has been derived from the Greek word basileús
meaning "king" because of the royal fragrance of this herb. In
Indian and South- East Asia basil is considered to be sacred and is
mainly used for religious (dedicated to Vishnu) purposes apart from its
culinary usage. Genus Ocimum has a widespread growth all over Asia,
Africa and Central and Southern America but was probably first put to
cultivation in India.
Today, basil is cultivated in many Asian and Mediterranean countries;
main exporters (for the European market) are France, Italy, Morocco and
Egypt.
Basil is obtained from a small, erect, glabrous, profusely branched
herb indigenous to India. The "Sacred Basil" found in India
(O. sanctum = O. tenuiflorum) has an intensive pungent smell whereas in
Thailand the sweet basil has a Licorice aroma. The Indian basil owes its
strong pungent taste to a sesquiterpenoid, ß- caryophyllen and a
phenylpropanoid, methyl eugenol (both around 30%) plus minor amounts of
methylchavicol (10%).
Besides the hybrid variety opal two more varieties of basil, "sweet"
and "bush" are found. The rich aroma and excellent blending
properties of basil has made it highly popular worldwide. Some of the
major applications of basil lay in French liquors, sophisticated
perfumes and gourmet class culinary seasonings. French, Italian and
Greek cuisine make good use of basil. With tomato, fish, poultry dishes,
stews, sauces, sausages, bouquets and garnishes basil and basil oil
finds an important place and form unique blends with other ingredients.
Warm, temperate climates of India, thialnd, Italy, Africa etc are
perfect for proper growth of basil. Among spices basil offers one of the
highest yields per acre. Several grades of Indian basil are available
for the international consumer.
| Name in International
Languages |
| Spanish: |
Alba Laca |
| French: |
Basilic |
| German: |
Basilienkrant |
| Swedish: |
Basilkort
|
| Arabic: |
Raihan |
| Dutch: |
Basilicum |
| Italian: |
Basilico |
| Portuguese: |
Manjericao |
| Russian: |
Basilik |
| Japanese: |
Meboki |
| Chinese: |
Lo- le |
|
