Kenya basil herb is well known for its medicinal and nutritional value. The herb is used across the world.
The word basil comes from a Greek word, meaning “king”. It is considered the “king of herbs” by many cookery authors.
Kenya Basil is frequently used fresh in cooked recipes. Basil is added at the last moment of cooking to retain the flavor. Fresh basil leaves are added to flavor any vegetable, meat dish, or poultry. The herb is also used in tomato and egg dishes, soups, stews, and salads.
Basil contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to the body. Basil is a very good source of vitamin A. It is also an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, a good source of copper and vitamin C, iron, calcium, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Basil is also a good source of magnesium. Magnesium promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms.
Basil herbs are cooked and consumed in different styles; they are perfect for use in various dishes. The Chinese use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods. Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto; a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce. In Taiwan, they add fresh basil leaves to thick soups.
They also eat fried chicken with deep-fried basil leaves. Basil is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create an amazing flavor in ice cream or chocolates. The leaves are not the only part of basil used in culinary, the flower buds of basil have a more subtle flavor and are edible.
Basil grows best in warm and tropical climates. It grows between 30 to130 cm tall; a full-grown plant reaches approximately 100 cm in height. The leaves vary from light green to purple and are smooth and silky. The leaves are about 1 to 2.5 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch broad. The flowers are quite large, purple or white, arranged in terminal spikes.
Basil from Kenya
Varieties of Basil from Kenya include lemon basil, cinnamon basil, lime basil, holy basil, and sweet Thai basil.
Steve George is Blogger, a marketer and content writer. He has B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington. Read more about Mzuri Mag.