Basil (herb)

Basil (, ; , ; ''Ocimum basilicum'' (, )), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, but it can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.

There are many varieties of basil including sweet basil, Thai basil (''O. basilicum'' var. ''thyrsiflora''), and Mrs. Burns' Lemon (''O.'basilicum var. citriodora''). ''O. basilicum'' can cross-pollinate with other species of the ''Ocimum'' genus, producing hybrids such as lemon basil (''O. × citriodorum'') and African blue basil (''O. × kilimandscharicum'').

Description

Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between . Basil leaves are glossy and ovulate, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. Leaves may be green or purple. Its flowers are small and white, and grow from a central inflorescence, or spike, that emerges from the central stem atop the plant. Unusual among Lamiaceae, the four stamens and the pistil are not pushed under the upper lip of the corolla, but lie over the inferior lip. After entomophilous pollination, the corolla falls off and four round achenes develop inside the bilabiate calyx.

Phytochemistry

The various basils have such distinct scents because the volatile aromatic compounds vary with cultivars. The essential oil from European basil contains high concentrations of linalool and methyl chavicol (estragole), in a ratio of about 3:1. Other constituents include: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and myrcene, among others. The clove scent of sweet basil is derived from eugenol. The aroma profile of basil includes 1,8-cineole and methyl eugenol. In this species eugenol is synthesised from coniferyl acetate and NADPH.

Similar species

Some similar species in the same genus may be commonly called "basil", although they are not varieties of ''Ocimum basilicum''.
* Camphor basil, African basil ('' O. kilimandscharicum'')
* Clove basil, also African basil ('' Ocimum gratissimum'')
* Holy basil ('' Ocimum tenuiflorum'', formerly known as ''O. sanctum'')

Taxonomy

The exact taxonomy of basil is uncertain due to the immense number of cultivars, its ready polymorphy, and frequent cross-pollination (resulting in new hybrids) with other members of the genus ''Ocimum'' and within the species. ''Ocimum basilicum'' has at least 60 varieties, which further complicates taxonomy.

Cultivars

Most basils are cultivars of sweet basil. Most basil varieties have green leaves, but a few are purple, such as, 'Purple Delight'.
* Anise basil, Licorice basil, or Persian basil (''O. basilicum'' 'Liquorice')
* Cinnamon basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Cinnamon')
* Dark opal basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Dark Opal')
* Genovese basil or Sweet Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'')
* Greek basil (''Ocimum basilicum var. minimum'')
* Globe basil, dwarf basil, French basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Minimum')
* Lettuce leaf basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Crispum')
* Napolitano basil, also known as Napoletano basil, Neapolitan basil, Mammoth basil, Bolloso Napoletano basil, Napolitano Mammoth-Leafed basil, or Italian Large-Leaf basil (''Ocimum basilicum'')
* Purple basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Purpurescens')
* Rubin basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Rubin')
* Thai basil (''Ocimum basilicum thyrsifolium'')

Hybrids

* African blue basil (''Ocimum basilicum × O. kilimandscharicum'')
* Lemon basil (''Ocimum basilicum × O. americanum'')
* Spice basil (''Ocimum basilicum × O. americanum''), which is sometimes sold as holy basil

Etymology

The name "basil" comes from the Latin , and the Greek (), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes. Basil is likewise sometimes referred to in French as ('the royal herb'). The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's venom.

Distribution and habitat

Basil is native to India and other tropical regions stretching from Africa to South East Asia, but has now become globalized due to human cultivation.

Cultivation

Growing conditions

Basil is sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. Basil prefers high light conditions and grows best under full sun conditions. Increasing light intensity, particularly the photosynthetic photon flux density, can significantly enhance the plant'.s fresh weight, dry matter content, and height

However, due to its common use, basil is cultivated in many countries around the world. Production areas include countries in the Mediterranean area, those in the temperate zone, and others in subtropical climates.

In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South Island of New Zealand, basil grows best if sown under glass in a peat pot, then planted out in late spring/early summer (when there is little chance of a frost); however, it can also thrive when planted outside in these climates. Additionally, it may be sown in soil once chance of frost is past. It fares best in well-drained soil with direct exposure to the sun.

Although basil grows best outdoors, it can be grown indoors in a pot and, like most herbs, will do best on a sun-facing windowsill, kept away from cold drafts. A greenhouse or row cover is ideal if available. It can, however, even be grown in a basement under fluorescent lights. Supplemental lighting produces greater biomass and phenol production, with red + blue specifically increasing growth and flower bud production. increases the volatiles in ''O. basilicum'' essential oil, which has not been reproducible in other plants, and so may be unique to the genus or even to this species.

Basil prefers well-drained organic soils, as adequate oxygen availability in the root zone is essential for optimal plant growth. Poor soil drainage can lead to root hypoxia, which negatively affects overall plant development and essential oil yield.

Pruning, flowering, and seeding

Once a stem produces flowers, foliage production stops on that stem, the stem becomes woody, and essential oil production declines. To prevent this, a basil-grower may pinch off any flower stems before they are fully mature. Because only the blooming stem is so affected, some stems can be pinched for leaf production, while others are left to bloom for decoration or seeds. Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote growth, largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.

Once the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods containing small black seeds, which can be saved and planted the following year. If allowed to go to seed, a basil plant will grow back the next year.

Propagation methods

Seeds

The optimal germination temperature for basil seeds ranges between 34.5–39.0°C, while the base germination temperature lies between 9.8–13.2°C. No significant variation in optimal germination temperature has been observed among different basil cultivars. Prior to sowing, basil (''Ocimum basilicum'') seeds can be hydroprimed by soaking in water for 12 hours, which effectively enhances germination rates and seedling vigor.

Cuttings

Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' L.) is commonly propagated through cuttings. Compared to seed propagation, basil cuttings tend to result in earlier harvest and higher yield. The typical propagation method involves selecting healthy, non-lignified stem segments approximately 5–10 cm in length, preferably apical shoots that retain 2 to 5 leaves, which are then inserted into moist soil until root development occurs. After rooting, the plantlets are transplanted into the field. Exposing basil cuttings to blue light significantly accelerates root formation, thereby shortening the growth period.

Diseases

Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce yield. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill younger basil plants. Seedlings may be killed by '' Pythium'' damping off. A common foliar disease of basil is gray mold caused by ''Botrytis cinerea''; it can cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant. Black spot can be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the fungi genus '' Colletotrichum''. Downy mildew caused by '' Peronospora belbahrii'' is a significant disease, as first reported in Italy in 2003. It was reported in the Florida in 2007 and by 2008 had spread along the eastern United States, reaching Canada. Basil cultivars resistant to ''P. belbahrii'' have been developed.

Non-pathogenic bacteria found on basil include '' Novosphingobium'' species.

Uses

Culinary

Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water. It has a flavor resembling that of liquorice.

Leaves and flowers

The most commonly used Mediterranean basil cultivars are "Genovese", "Purple Ruffles", "Mammoth", "Cinnamon", "Lemon", "Globe", and " African Blue". Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, an Italian sauce with olive oil and basil as its primary ingredients, and is used in other sauces and salad dressings. Many national cuisines use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods, such as to thicken soups. Basil is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create flavor in ice cream or chocolate truffles. It sometimes used to infuse oils and vinegars.

Lemon basil has a strong lemony smell and flavor due to the presence of citral. It is widely used in Indonesia, where it is called and served raw as an accompaniment to meat or fish.

Seeds

When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as the Indian '' faluda'', the Iranian , or . In Kashmir, the Ramadan fast is often broken with ''babre beole'', a sharbat made with basil seeds.

Folk medicine

Basil is used in folk medicine practices, such as those of Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine.

Insecticide and insect repellent

Studies of the essential oil have shown insecticidal and insect-repelling properties, including potential toxicity to mosquitos. The essential oil is found by Huignard et al. 2008 to inhibit electrical activity by decreasing action potential amplitude, by shortening the post hyperpolarization phase, and reducing the action frequency of action potentials. In Huignard's opinion this is due to the linalool and estragole, the amplitude reduction due to linalool, and the phase shortening due to both.

'' Callosobruchus maculatus'', a pest which affects cowpea, is repelled by the essential oil. The essential oil mixed with kaolin is both an adulticide and an ovicide, effective for three months against ''C. maculatus'' in cowpea. The thrips '' Frankliniella occidentalis'' and ''Thrips tabaci'' are repelled by ''O. basilicum'', making this useful as an insect repellent in other crops. The pests '' Sitophilus oryzae'', '' Stegobium paniceum'', '' Tribolium castaneum'', and '' Bruchus chinensis'' are evaluated by Deshpande et al. 1974 and '77.

Nematicide

The essential oil is found by Malik et al. 1987 and Sangwan et al. 1990 to be nematicidal against '' Tylenchulus semipenetrans'', '' Meloidogyne javanica'', '' Anguina tritici'', and '' Heterodera cajani''.

Bacterial and fungal inhibition

The essential oil of the leaf and terminal shoot is effective against a large number of bacterial species including '' Lactiplantibacillus plantarum'' and ''Pseudomonas'' spp. The essential oil of the leaf and terminal shoot is also effective against a large number of fungal species including ''Aspergillus'' spp., '' Candida'' spp., '' Mucor'' spp., and '' Geotrichum candidum''.

In culture

Religion

There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed basil would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on. However, Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper saw basil as a plant of dread and suspicion.

In Portugal, dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together with a poem and a paper carnation, to a sweetheart, on the religious holidays of John the Baptist (see ) and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Basil has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is used to sprinkle holy water. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, Macedonian Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church use basil (, ; , ; , ) to prepare holy water and pots of basil are often placed below church altars. Some Greek Orthodox Christians avoid eating it due to its association with the legend of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.

Art and literature

In Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th century ''Decameron'', the fifth story of the narrative's fourth day involves a pot of basil as a central plot device. This famous story inspired John Keats to write his 1814 poem "Isabella, or the Pot of Basil", which was in turn the inspiration for two paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: John Everett Millais's ''Isabella'' in 1849 and in 1868 the '' Isabella and the Pot of Basil'' by William Holman Hunt.

See also

* List of basil cultivars

References

External links

Basil: Knowing and Growing from the New York Botanical Garden

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Flora of tropical Asia
Flora of the Mediterranean basin
Herbs
Indian spices
Insect repellents
Mediterranean cuisine
Medicinal plants of Asia
Ocimum
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus