Herb
Leaf
Basil leaf is the tender aromatic foliage used raw or barely wilted—the heart of pesto, Caprese, Thai salads, and countless garnishes. Sweet Genovese leaves are broad and clove-anise scented; Thai basil is stabler in heat with liquorice notes; holy basil (tulsi) is spicier and more medicinal. Bruising releases oils; blackening follows cold damage or age. Tear or chiffonade at the last moment; prolonged cooking flattens perfume. Store stems in water like a bouquet or loosely wrapped, never ice-cold for long. Pinch flowers to keep leaf production if growing.
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Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.76 g
- Saturated Fat 0.2 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.41 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 24.3 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Total Carbohydrate 6.2 g
- Dietary Fibre 5.51 g
- Total Sugars 1.01 g
- Complex / starch 0.95 g
- Protein 2.96 g
- Water 86 g
- Energy 33.9 kcal
- Water 86 g
- Carbohydrates 6.2 g
- Protein 2.96 g
- Fat 0.76 g
- Saturated Fat 0.2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.41 g
- Omega-3 0.04 g
- Vitamins 414 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.08 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.15 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 1.02 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 78.4 µg
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Vitamin E 1.92 mg
- Vitamin K 285 µg
- Minerals 294 mg
- Major Minerals 292 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 30 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.08 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.15 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 1.02 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.4 · vitamin-b6: 0.2 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 78.4 · vitamin-e: 1.92 · vitamin-k: 285.3 ·
Minerals
Leaf tissue is fibre- and water-forward with low energy density.
History
Basil leaves were used in South Asian cookery and ritual long before Mediterranean pesto fame.
Ligurian pesto fixed sweet basil leaf as a pounded sauce herb.
Greenhouse basil leaf supply made year-round Caprese and garnish culture possible.