Aromatic annual herb essential to Italian pesto and Thai cuisine; sweet with clove-like notes.
Where it comes from
Basil has deep roots in both Italian and Thai culinary traditions, often associated with sacred and medicinal uses, showcasing its versatility and cultural significance.
In the kitchen
Used fresh or dried, basil infuses dishes with a vibrant aroma and bright flavor, ideal for pesto, pasta, and as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Nutrition (per 100g)
251kcalCal
3.2gProtein
4.4gFat
64.0gCarbs
25.0gFiber
Values are AI-estimated, not from a laboratory database
Pairs well with
Shiso
Tear and toss fresh basil and shiso into salads or sushi—sharp, green, and bright. Always add last for the freshest lift.
Laksa Leaf
Chop and toss at the end. Basil's sweet notes get a citrusy lift from laksa leaf — bright and fresh, never cooked.
Betel Leaf
Tear basil and betel leaves by hand, toss last into salads. Basil's sweet lift tempers the betel's peppery punch—fresh and lively.
Avocado Leaf
Tear basil and crush avocado leaf—add in the last minute of simmering. Basil's brightness meets the leaf's earthiness, creating a gentle lift.
Tomato
Chop basil fresh and toss with ripe tomatoes—basil's peppery lift tames tomato's tang. Add last, off-heat, to keep both bright and lively.
Cheese
Tear fresh basil over warm cheese. The heat releases basil's oils, adding a peppery lift to the creamy base.
Mozzarella
Fresh basil leaves add a peppery lift to mozzarella's creamy texture. Add just before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.
tomato sauce
Add fresh basil at the end. Its sweet, peppery notes lift the sauce's richness. Heat kills its brightness, so keep it fresh.
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh basil lifts Parmesan's richness, adding a bright, herbal note. Toss together just before serving.
red peppers
Add fresh basil to roasted red peppers. The herb's peppery notes lift the sweetness and add freshness.
Mozzarella Cheese
Tear fresh basil over mozzarella. Its peppery, fragrant notes lift the cheese’s mildness, adding a fresh, herbal layer.
Provolone Cheese
Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note to provolone's creamy base. Perfect in a caprese-style sandwich.
Peach
Fresh basil adds a peppery lift to the sweet juiciness of peaches. Toss together in salads or as a topping for grilled peaches.
Yellow zucchini
Toss fresh leaves with cooked zucchini. Basil's peppery aroma brightens zucchini's gentle flavor. Add off-heat.
green curry paste
Add fresh basil at the end. Its sweet, peppery notes lift the paste's earthy spice, adding brightness.
