Basil
Ocimum basilicum · Herb
6 varietiesTop 10 pairings
The "king of herbs": a tender, leafy member of the mint family, prized for its aroma over its taste. Its sweet clove-and-anise scent defines Italian pesto, Thai stir-fries and countless tomato dishes.
Picking a good onedrag
Just cut, standing upLimp, blackened, slimy
Shop freshEveryday bestThe all-rounder: pesto, salads, finishing a sauce.
Leaf colourGreen, a few leaves cupping
The bunchSoft but still upright in the hand
Cut stemCut end drying, stem still stiff
Smell at the leafScent comes when a leaf is rubbed
Keeping ittap a temperature
Skip the fridge. Below 12 °C the leaves brown, then blacken in a day or two.
95-100%
Humidity
Loose bag, not sealed
Airflow