Cooking Vegetarian with Basil cooking

Basil Seeds and leaves of the beloved basil plant are a much used cooking staple. This herb has been used for many centuries and by cooks from a number of different countries
t is the aromatic leaves and seeds that have become part of many cultural traditions besides cooking. The name basil has been credited to the location where it was originally discovered. According to ancient history Saint Constantine and Helen found this herb growing in the same area as the Holy Cross.

At one time basil was a thriving plant in a limited number of places, particularly in Asia. India was one of the countries that benefited from the flavors and healing properties the herb possesses. Today the basil plant has been naturalized to such a large extent that it is found in almost all countries and continents.

The Basil Plant enhances almost all Cooking Styles

Fresh basil seeds and leaves are preferred by most cooks, but the dried herb is also amazingly useful. If you ask someone to describe the aroma and taste of fresh basil leaves they often describe them as savory and sweet with pungent undertones. Dried basil does not have the same intensity and flavor but it still enhances the savory elements of soups, meats and sauces.

When exposed to prolonged periods of heat the effects of basil are destroyed. You should only add fresh basil within the last minutes of the cooking process. You can also incorporate the flavorful leaves immediately before a dish is being served.

Italian and Southeast Asian recipes frequently use large amounts of basil seeds or leaves. Pesto is a very popular dish that gets its complex and extremely satisfying taste from a simple combination of olive oil, basil and pine nuts.

Basil leaves are a common ingredient in a number of Thai and Chinese recipes as well. Many Asian specialties incorporate some form of the basil herb. In fact some types of basil seeds will become gelatinous in texture as they absorb certain liquids. This means that the versatile herb can be used even in dessert and beverage recipes.

The Culture surrounding the Basil Plant

In most cultures the basil herb is considered to have a holy or healing significance. The basil plant often is incorporated in major religions of the world. It is viewed by many Christians as a plant with religious overtones because it is said to have been one of the herbs that was brought to the site where Jesus was resurrected. To many traditional Christian believers basil is revered as a plant that symbolizes triumph and rebirth.

Hindus also have great faith in the powers of basil. They will add a bit of this herb to the lips and mouth of people who are on their deathbeds. If the plant does not heal them, it will at least help the person's soul journey on to meet God. Jewish believers are cognizant of the energy and strength that the herb gives to those who ingest it. They use this herb as part of many fasting preparations. There have also been some negative connotations for basil during ancient times. Once basil seeds and plants were thought to symbolize Satan, and even many Ancient Greeks thought the plant symbolized hatred and anger.