Basics of Basil
Basil is thought to be native to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South America. The genus and species of basil is Ocimum basilicum. The genus Ocimum is from the Greek word, okimon, meaning smell. The species name, basilicum is a Latin translation of a Greek word, basilikon meaning king.
Basil probably did not arrive in Europe until nearly 2000 years ago. In antiquity, basil was considered as a sacred plant and used in sacred rites since it was alleged to have supernatural powers. As a sacred plant, basil was cut only by someone who had been purified and in the absence of anyone impure. When basil arrived in Europe it became part of Christian legend. Emperor Constantine's (A.D. 306 to 337) mother, Helena, said divine revelation led her to a basil patch where she found presumed remains of the cross Christ was crucified on, turning basil into a ritual plant. In Italy, young women would pin a basil leaf to their clothing to proclaim their chastity. Another symbol was a pot of basil was set on a windowsill to signify that a woman was ready to entertain her lover. The Tuscans believed that basil had erotic powers. On St. Basil's Day, Greek women would have basil blessed, then at home, strew some of the leaves upon the floor for good fortune, and eat some with the family to ensure good health during the coming year.
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During the sixteenth century, herbalists such as John Gerard and Nicholas Culpepper
warned against internal use of basil because it attracted pests such as flies or worms and was believed that basil placed under a rock would turn into a scorpion. There is even an account of a French physician who smelled basil and had a scorpion breed in his brain.
In the seventeenth century, basil started to get better appreciation and was used in nosegays. Colonists brought basil to the New World and was found in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1621. Between 1780 and 1840 botanists traveling the world identified more than 60 varieties. In the early 1900's, basil's popularity had waned. At this time U.S. Department of Agriculture set up an experimental farm to see if basil would grow in the United States. The department's statistics between 1964 and 1984 state that basil-mania hit America. Today the rich and spicy, mildly peppery flavor is used in all types of cooking and best known in pesto. It is also tasty in veal, lamb, fish, poultry, white beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes, cheese and egg dishes.
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