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Culinary Benefits of Basil

Beyond adding colorful flair to your plates, basil is a flavorful and nutritional addition to any meal.

This virtually no-calorie herb comes packed with disease-fighting chemicals, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamin A, K, potassium, plus a hint of iron and other nutrients are a few of basil’s benefits. The most notable, however, is basil’s sensational taste and vibrant aroma. A member of the popular mint family of herbs, basil complements a wide array of global cuisines. How would we live without delicious basil pesto sauces or chopped basil sprinkled over Italian breads and pasta dishes? Many of us associate basil with Italian food, but this aromatic herb originates from tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Today, you’ll find basil growing in most herb gardens around the world.

GROW BASIL: Start with a basil seed or tip cutting, plant in a well-drained and nutrient-rich soil, gently water to keep subsoil moist (topsoil can be dry to the touch), and watch it grow in a sunny, warm environment.

ENJOY BASIL: For a quick and easy blast of tasty nutrition, simply clip off a few leaves and sauté them in olive oil with any mixture of greens (spinach, kale, etc.), minced garlic, and onion.

We encourage you to snap a photo of fresh basil on your favorite dishes. Share your photos with us on Twitter or Facebook. Together we celebrate eating well, living long, and traveling far!