Forktionary

Leaf Basil

Ocimum basilicum Herb

Leaf Basil Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"The quintessential herb for Italian cuisine, its sweet and peppery notes elevate everything from pesto to fresh caprese salads."

Definition

A fragrant herb from the mint family, characterized by its tender green leaves and sweet, pungent aroma.

Best Storage Method Stems in water at room temp (like flowers) or blanched/frozen as pesto
Primary Culinary Use Pesto, salads, sauces, garnishes
Volatile Oil Content Eugenol, Linalool, Methyl Chavicol (Estragole)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Leaf Basil are:

Sweet Pungent Anise-like Peppery

Chef’s Secret

To maximize flavor and prevent bruising, tear basil leaves by hand instead of cutting with a knife, especially when using raw in salads or garnishes.

Best Substitutes

Fresh mint

for similar freshness
Ratio 1:1

fresh oregano

but stronger
Ratio 1:1

dried basil

ratio, dried:fresh
Ratio 1:3

Buying Guide

Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. The aroma should be strong.

Culinary Pairings

Tomatoes mozzarella garlic olive oil lemon chicken fish pasta eggplant balsamic vinegar