Sweet Basil plant

20 seeds per pack
Sweet basil is used primarily for its fresh, aromatic flavor in culinary applications, especially in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, to enhance ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese. It can be added fresh at the end of cooking, blended into pestos, sauces, and dressings, or infused into syrups for desserts and drinks. Additionally, basil offers nutritional benefits, including antioxidants, and is used in traditional medicine for its anti inflammatory and potential blood sugar regulating properties.
 
 
Culinary Uses
Sauces and Pastas: Basil is a staple in tomato based dishes like pasta sauce, pizza, and bruschetta, as its flavor cuts through the acidity of tomatoes and brings out their sweetness.
 
Pesto: A classic use of sweet basil is in pesto, a paste made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese.
 
Salads and Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves add a burst of flavor to salads and are often used as a garnish for various dishes, including Caprese salads with mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.
 
Marinades and Dressings: Blend basil into olive oil for marinades or use it to create flavorful salad dressings.
 
Desserts and Beverages: You can infuse basil into syrups for cocktails, mocktails, fruit salads, or even create a refreshing basil-infused granita or lemonade.
 
Frozen Treats: Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for a quick flavor boost for pasta, or basil-infused oils can be frozen.
 
Health & Nutritional Benefits
Antioxidants: Basil is rich in antioxidants like eugenol, which help fight free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The essential oils in basil, such as linalool, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower the risk of inflammatory conditions.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that basil may help reduce blood sugar levels.
 
Heart Health: The eugenol in basil can help block calcium channels, potentially lowering blood pressure. It also contains magnesium, which helps blood vessels and muscles relax.
Vitamin K: Basil is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Consult your doctor if on blood thinning medication before consuming large amounts of sweet basil.