CARDINAL BASIL

Ocimum basilicum

  • COMMON NAMES

    Cardinal Basil

  • PLANT FAMILY

    Asteraceae

    The Daisy Family

  • NATIVE REGION

    Native to Africa.

  • HABITAT

    The plant prefers rich, dry to medium moisture, neutral drained soils in full sun.

  • CULTIVATION

    Perennial

  • PARTS USED

    Root

PREPARATION

PROPERTIES: Alkaloids & Flavonoids

FLAVOR PROFILE: Anise, Sweet, Spicy

PAIRING: Fish, Poultry, Basil

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of hot water.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz honey; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup honey for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz vinegar; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup vinegar for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz spirit; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup spirit for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Dries quickly, air dry and do not apply additional heat to retain delicate volatile oil.