What is an interesting fact about basil?

Basil is a fragrant plant that can grow up to 36 inches in height. It’s a bushy herb with green, red, or purple leaves with sprigs of tiny white flowers. This wonderful herb makes an excellent container plant. Purple basil makes an attractive addition to a herb container garden and is strongly scented.

What are two interesting facts about basil?

Here are some cool things and facts:

• Basil is native to tropical Asia and belongs to the mint family.
• Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, it has a sweet aroma with a warm flavor with notes of clove and anise.
• Store it in a glass of water at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Why basil is the best?

The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. The essential oils in the herb can help to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help to improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.

Why is basil so popular?

There’s a reason basil is so popular . . . it’s delicious! There are many known species of basil, but Ocimum basilicum, also known as Sweet Basil or Genovese Basil, is the most commonly grown. Basils are enjoyed for their rich, spicy flavor with a trace of mint, clove, and even licorice depending on the cultivar.

Does basil have fruit?

Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers. Anything you can do to encourage new leaves, such as fertilizing or pruning, is a good idea. Picking leaves is also pruning, so you can stimulate your plant to grow while harvesting.

What are some characteristics of basil?

Characteristics. Basil is an annual herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It has square stems with leaves that grow on opposite sides, and the leaves are rounded, slightly cupped, and curve to form at point at the tip.

How would you describe basil?

Physical description. Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in colour from white to magenta.

What are the features of basil?

Basil is an annual herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It has square stems with leaves that grow on opposite sides, and the leaves are rounded, slightly cupped, and curve to form at point at the tip. The leaves are generally light green, although some varieties have reddish or purplish leaves.

Why is basil called basil?

The word basil comes from the Greek βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning “royal”. This is because it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

How did basil get its name?

Basil’s name comes from royal stock. The oldest origin of the word “basil,” according to the OED, is the ancient Greek basileus, meaning “king” (the same root as “basilica,” which originally referred to a royal doorway). …

How old is basil?

Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. It has been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It is prominently featured in many cuisines throughout the world. Some of them are Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisines.

What is the history of basil?

Basil has been around for over 4,000 years. Throughout history, basil was believed to have almost magical powers. It was used as an antidote for snake bites, and was believed to give strength during religious fasting. It was found in mummies in Egypt because the ancient Egyptians used this herb for embalming.