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THE CHEF ENCYCLOPEDIA:
Culinary Herb & Spice Reference Guide
Basil
[also Sweet Basil]
(Ocimum basilicum)
Family: Labiatae
Native to India, basil is an aromatic annual plant used abundantly in
Mediterranean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cuisine. The Greek name
basileus, means "king", and indicates its royal position among
herbs. There are about 60 varieties of basil, the dried or fresh leaves
of which are reminiscent of lemon, camphor, jasmine, clove, anise or
thyme according to variety. A member of the mint family. Some varieties
of basil include: Ararat Basil, Bush Basil, Greek Bush Basil, Spicy
Globe Basil, Green Globe Basil, Osmin Basil, Rubin Basil, Purple Delight
Basil, Purple Ruffles Basil, Mammoth Basil, Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil,
Anise Basil, Cinnamon Basil, African Blue Basil, Camphor Basil, East
Indian Basil, Lemon Basil, Lesbos Basil, Lime Basil, Sacred Basil, Spice
Basil, Thai Basil, and West African Basil.
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