Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

BASIL, EXTRA FANCY

Description:

Basil is the dried leaf of the herb Ocimum Basilicum, a member of the mint family.  A small, bushy plant that grows to almost two feet, the leaves are used to season tomato sauce, pesto, pizza and cheese.  Used as a staple ingredient in curry blends and Italian seasonings, Basil is a very popular and well-known herb.  Basil has a characteristically tea-like mint flavor.  Basil was used in Italy as a sign of marital intentions and used by early Romans as a symbol of love and fertility.  The green aromatic leaves are used fresh and dried as flavorings or spices in sauces, stews, salad dressings, vegetables, poultry, vinegar, and confectionary products.  Traditionally, basil has been used medicinally in the treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, and worms. 

Suggested Use:

Commonly used in chicken Marsala, shrimp and chicken dishes, tasty in tortellini, pesto, sorbet, cacciatore, marinades, salads, dips and spice mixes.  Delicious when sprinkled over garden tomatoes with feta cheese.