History
Basil is an old world, tender, low growing, aromatic culinary herb in the mint family, cultivated for its leaves. Basil is prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

There are many varieties of basil. Sweet basil is typically used in Italian food. There is also Thai basil, Lemon basil and holy basil, which are used more in in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including African Blue and Holy Thai basil. Basil is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years

Aroma
Basil has a strong, pungent, sweet and somewhat menthol aroma.

Flavour
Fresh basil has an initial subtle peppery flavour. The taste then evolves into a slightly sweet anise flavour.

Health Benefits
Studies prove that Basil is a good source of antioxidants and contains more antioxidants per serve than most vegetables and many fruit so adding just a little Basil to your meals can also give your diet an antioxidant boost. Eating some fresh basil leaves is reputed to help with a blocked nose!

Cooking & Food Pairing
To preserve the delicate flavours, it is best to add basil at the very end of the cooking process or stir through fresh dressings and soups.

Sweet Basil is an essential ingredient in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Sweet basil pairs beautifully with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, onions, tomatoes, chilli, chicken, pasta, eggs, zucchini, capsicum, bell peppers, pizza and green leaf salads.

Gourmet Garden Basil
Gourmet Garden Basil is a great solution for busy cooks who want fresh basil flavour without the chopping or the waste. Bursting with fresh picked flavour, Gourmet Garden Basil comes in handy tubes and keeps it’s fresh taste for months. Additionally, our basil is now organically grown without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Gourmet Garden Basil is also great value with the equivalent of 3 bunches of fresh basil in each tube.

Find Gourmet Garden Basil in the fresh produce section of your supermarket.