per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 2.7 g
2.7%
Proteins 3.2 g
3.2%
Fats 0.6 g
0.6%
Water 92.1 g
92.1%
Sugar 0.3 grams
Fiber 1.6 grams
Trans Fats 0 ug
Ash 1.5 grams

Basil

23 Calories per 100g

, how it is used, and how to cook with it

Basil is an herb, that is both fragrant and flavorful, that has been used for centuries for cooking and medicinal purposes. While it is most commonly found fresh in the produce section at your local grocery store, it is available dried, frozen and powdered.

Basil is a type of mint, and its leaves are dark green with slightly fuzzy texture. Its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum, and it has a sweet, anise-like flavor with a hint of mint and pepper. It is used to season many different types of dishes, from salads to stir-fries, pesto sauces to pasta dishes, and even as a topping for pizza.

When cooking with basil, it’s a good idea to add it as late as possible. Its flavor tends to dissipate when it is cooked for too long. In addition, you should use fresh basil whenever possible, as dried basil doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor.

Adding Basil to Your Recipes

Basil is an excellent way to add flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for adding basil to your meals:

Salads: Add some chopped fresh basil leaves to roasted vegetables or tossed salad for flavor and color.

Soups: Basil pairs well with root vegetables, such as carrots, onions and potatoes. Chop the basil leaves before adding them to the soup.

Pasta Dishes: To make a delicious pesto sauce, blend basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and salt. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Stir-Fries: Finely chop a few leaves of basil and add them to your stir-fry during the last few minutes of cooking.

Tomato-Based Dishes: Basil goes particularly well with tomatoes. Add it to tomato sauce for pizza, lasagnas and other Italian dishes.

Pesto Sauce: Basil is the key ingredient in traditional pesto. Blend basil leaves with olive oil, garlic, salt and Parmesan cheese to make delicious pesto sauce.

Cooking with Basil

When using basil, it’s important to keep in mind that its flavor diminishes when cooked for too long, so add it to dishes near the end of cooking time. Also, when using dried basil, consider adding a bit extra to give it a more robust flavor.

When cooking with fresh basil, try adding the leaves whole or roughly torn, as this will help preserve the flavor and aroma. If you’re using basil leaves in a soup or sauce, it’s best to add them towards the end of cooking so they don’t get overcooked. And if you’re adding basil to a salad or other cold dish, add it just before serving so the flavor doesn’t dissipate.

When cooking with dried basil, remember to rehydrate the leaves before adding them to the dish. An easy way to do this is to add a few tablespoons of boiling water to the dried basil and let it sit for five minutes. This will ensure the leaves retain their flavor and aroma.

Basil is a versatile herb, and one that can add flavor and depth to many dishes. So next time you’re cooking, experiment with some fresh or dried basil and see what delicious new recipes you can create!