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Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
Family: Lamiaceae
Other names: Basil Lettuce, Common Basil, Mexican Basil, sweet basil, Genovese basil
Culinary use
Basil is a popular culinary herb that comes in many varieties and is used all over the world. It has a sweet, pungent and slightly peppery flavour that can have notes of cinnamon, liquorice, lemon and anise. It is available fresh and dried, and used raw and cooked in a wide variety of dishes, including sauces, soups, salads and drinks. It is the main ingredient in the Italian sauce pesto and a common pizza topping.
Medicinal use
In traditional medicine, basil has been used to help treat a wide variety of ailments. Studies have suggested it is effective in treating fungal, viral, bacterial and protozoal infections.