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Culinary Herbs
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 Basil Basil derived its name from Greek basileus which means "king".
This is because it has a royal fragrance.Basil is one of the most
popular culinary herb, used the world over for its aroma and flavor. The
herb is native to Asia and has a strong, pungent and sweet smell. The
herb grows best in hot, dry conditions. Indian Name: Tulsi Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Family Name: Lamiaceae Parts Used: Leaves Habitat: India, Africa and Mediterranean Region Origin Basil was first put to cultivation in India. It is cultivated worldover now, including Asia, Africa and Central and Southern America. Trade in Basil Global Scenario Basil is a versatile herb used in food, beverage and aromatherapy. Basil is cultivated in many Asian and Mediterranean countries. In Europe and Africa the major producers and exporters are France, Italy, Morocco and Egypt. Whereas in Asia India is major producer and exporter. Uses of Basil Food Processing Industry Basil leaves is widely used in the food industry for its smell and flavor. Flower Industry The pungent and sweet smell of the herb makes it apt for use in potpourris, dry flower bouquets and sachets. Medicines Basil leaves8/12/06 also has certain medicinal properties to cure certain diseases and ailments. It is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy. It is also used as stomachic, anthelmintic, expectorant, antipyretic canninative, stimulant, diuretic, demulcent. Varieties And Characteristics In different parts of the world, different types of Basils are cultivated. Some of the popular and widely used varieties are:
 Aroma Constituents The major Aroma components are: 1,8 cineol, linalool, citral, eugenol, methyl chavicol (estragole), and methyl cinnamate. Flavour Constituents The chemical constituents that effects the flavour of Basil are monoterpenes (ocimene, geraniol, camphor), sesquiterpenes (bisabolene, caryophyllene) and phenylpropanoids (methyl eugenol). selection. Cultivation Of Basil The ideal weather for basil is spring. Basil cannot survive in cold climate hence spring is an ideal condition for its cultivation. It should be grown when there is an ample amount of sunlight and the soil well drained. If Basil is grown in raised beds they yield good harvest because raised beds promote good drainage and warm quickly in the spring. Basil can be grown both from the seed and the transplants. The space between the row should be kept between 2-3 feet and 6-12 inches within the row. The use of mulch for fresh cut basil will be good because it conserves moisture, reduces weed growth, and keeps the basil leaves clean.  Harvesting Harvesting of Basil depends on its end use. If Basil is used for its dried leaves then it is cut before the flowers have appeared. To obtain oil, it is harvested only after the appearance of the flower. In Mediterranean climate basil can be grown and harvested with 3-5 cuttings per year. However in North temperate zones the growing takes long time and normally one and sometimes two cutting is done. I f Basil is required in the the fresh and dried market, then it is harvested for its leaves. The cutting should be done at least 10-15 cm above the ground to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Processing Color and aroma of the basil are the most important quality of the Basil. Hence the plant is processed carefully to retain the color and aroma. In order to retain maximum color leaves are dried at low temperatures (<35C). All extraneous materials are removed by washing and cleaning with weeds. Nutritional Value Of Basil  Basil And Health Protection The constituents found in basil are used for various medical purposes:
Basil Known In Different Languages
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