The Rich History of Basil: Travel Through Time with Basil!
Beloved in pesto and Caprese salads, basil is a king of culinary herbs and widely cultivated around the world.
It is used in countless kitchens worldwide in both fresh and dried forms. And while many in the US associate basil mostly with Italian cuisine, you’ll also find it in plenty of other cultures, including Asian cuisine and many African dishes.
While you’re probably familiar with sweet basil and some of the more common varietals within the basil kingdom, you may not know that your favorite herb has a rich history, filled with adventure, legends, and lore.
Basil Basics
Before diving into the amazing historical background of basil, let’s set the stage. What exactly is basil?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a beautifully aromatic herb and member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Some varieties that may be most familiar include Genovese basil, sweet basil, Thai basil, purple ruffles, and lemon basil.
Most commonly known these days for its culinary prowess, basil also plays a critical role in traditional herbal medicine. So you will find it in whole, powdered, and oil form for medicinal purposes.
The word basil most likely derives from the ancient Greek word basileus, which means king.
A royal herb? Seems fitting for this all-star herb!
The History of Basil Goes Way Back
While the history of basil is filled with interesting facts, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact origin of basil.
Some accounts point to Asia, while others say the basil plant made its way out of India.
We do know that its history traces back over 5,000 years and that, over time, basil started making its way around the world.
Legend has it, basil arrived in the Mediterranean via Alexander the Great after he discovered it during a conquest. While this is possible, it more likely moved through the active and lucrative spice trade.
Basil held a revered standing with both the Ancient Greeks and Romans.
The Greek botanist Theophrastus even mentioned basil in his writings during the 3rd century BC.
Basil also shows up in Roman writings. Pliny touted it as an aphrodisiac, and Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella provided sowing directions.
*SNIP*
Basil Had a Sacred Standing Around the World
As basil made its way around, it retained one specific feature in each culture: Its sacred standing.
The belief that basil is sacred, and has almost magical properties, was so strong that nearly every culture had specific guidelines around harvesting basil.
Extensive rituals, rules governing hand washing, and specific clothing expectations reigned.
The Greeks, Romans, Gauls, Egyptians, and Indians believed strongly in protecting their basil plants.
Basil Lore
What is a perusal of history without a dash of lore added?
Historical accounts and ancient records are replete not just with facts, but also with legends and superstitions. Basil is not immune to this and is the subject of countless stories.
While we can’t cover all of them here, we wanted to look at a few of the common mythologies around our beloved basil.
Continues at link:
https://kitchenherbography.com/history-of-basil/
I grew the purple Basil...much stronger taste...awesome.
Here is one Gardening Sites list of different basil varities! ( I counted 35!)
Gardening Know How A List of Basil Types
(This list does NOT include hybrid varieties that have been developed for specific characteristics like slow bolting, heat resistance, a long harvest period, or fungal or disease resistance.)
In previous years my Genovese basil would shoot up get big and bolt and die off of disease. I wanted a genovese type basil that I could companion plant in between and on the back side of my tomatoes and tried Prospera Compact basil from Johnnies seed last year. It has worked well enough that I won't even plant tall genovese basil any more. It looks like it will hold most of the season as long as I keep it pruned. Johnnies has some nice videos about the variety that show the difference. (I just planted the last of my basil seedlings yesterday!) I still plant other basils, but this along with marigolds are great for companion planting!
Johnny's Prospera Compact Basil
I love basil. One would think an old curmudgeon like me would be more drawn to growing cacti or other sticker-bush type things, but growing basil makes me a little less prickly. Maybe it’s that great scent it has. :-)
Not too good at growing the fancy kinds, but with ordinary old sweet basil, seeds anywhere from 2 to 5 years old to grow like there’s no tomorrow, and re-seed / self-sow generously too.
basil is my most favorite herb
cannot have summer without it