Herb
Sweet Basil
A tier
Sweet basil is the general culinary class of Ocimum basilicum sold as everyday basil—overlapping Genovese-type leaves but not always a single pedigree. Flavour is sweet, lightly clove-anise, the default for Caprese and tomato sauces. Use raw or flash-wilted; prolonged cooking dulls top notes. Pinch flowers to keep leaves sweet. Greenhouse bunches vary—smell before buying for intensity.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
AromaticCloveCommon SweetCulinary DefaultFreshLarge Leaf ClassMediterraneanSweet
History
IN
Basil species moved through ancient trade into Mediterranean gardens.
IT
Sweet basil entered classical and medieval Italian cookery.
Market garden sweet basil became a global fresh herb staple.
Year-round greenhouse sweet basil filled supermarket demand.