Basil Seed 'Sweet Genovese'

Originating from India - in fact, Indians choose to swear their oaths in court upon Basil - it has now found popularity in the kitchens of most countries of the world, and rightly so! A popular Mediterranean herb, the Italians could arguably be called the masters of its use. It is said that Basil is good for opening your mind and heart.

Used either fresh or dried its warm 'spicy' aroma adds piquancy to any dish. The bright green leaves and stems can be used in anything from salads, to pasta dishes, to infusing in oil, or making that Italian favourite, pesto. Dried, its flavour becomes slightly more mellow and is perfect for winter soups and stews.

Whenever cooking with fresh Basil remember it is better torn rather than chopped with a knife, and always add 'just at the last minute' to hot dishes (it has more flavour and it won't burn); if using dried, add it at the beginning.

A member of the mint family.

• Tender annual.
• Likes a sunny position.
• Prefers well-drained, moist soil.
• Basil loves both heat and sun!
• Reaches 24" (60 cm).
• Flowers are white and appear June to September.
• Best sown where it is to be grown.
• Direct sow outside either thinly in rows or sparsely in clumps.
• Lightly cover seed and keep moist, do not overwater.
• Can be started off on your windowsill or in a propagator.
• If sowing early in the season protect from any late frost.
• If started in a pot or container transplant as the complete pot rootball thus avoiding root disturbance.
• Pick leaves when young.

• Top Tips
• If allowed to, Basil will become quite leggy and straggly; to prevent this prune out shoots to keep the plants around 8" (20 cm) tall.
• Do not allow to flower.
• To dry Basil, cut whole stems and hang to dry in a warm place before rubbing between your hands to flake up the leaves that can then be stored in an airtight jar.

• Culinary Uses
• Sprinkle over salads or chopped tomatoes.
• Works well with garlic and aubergines.
• Is used to make pesto.
• Good for flavouring vinegar.

• Medicinal Uses
• Crushed fresh leaves can be held on mouth ulcers, rubbed on warts, acne or insect bites to help speed up healing.
• Made into a tea it is said to relieve constipation, stomach problems and flatulence.
• Steeped in hot water to create a steam inhalant it is said to relieve headaches, colds and fever.
• Infused into massage oil it is recognised as an anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory so perfect for aches and pains!
• Good for helping mental fatigue and can calm you when you are tense or anxious.
• Can help improve your memory.

• Other Uses
• Good for deterring flies, aphids and white fly.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.
Do not use if pregnant.