Sweet Basil

Dried Basil is an extremely aromatic herb. This sweet basil is a member of the mint family and it has pepper, anise, and minty tones. These aromatic characteristics carry forward into its flavor, giving it both sweet and savory qualities. Dried Basil has .5% to 1.1% essential oil, composed primarily of linalool (40%) and methyl chavicol (25%). The strong clove scent of sweet basil is derived from eugenol, the same chemical found in cloves. When fresh, the moisture content in basil files down the rough edges of the essential oils, giving it a soft and delicate flavor. When basil is dried, the essential oils concentrate, becoming sharper and more present at the front of the palate.

Basil has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Most people incorrectly believe that basil is indigenous to the Mediterranean, but strong evidence indicates that it's native to Southeast Asia, in the area around Thailand and Vietnam. The Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science has research showing that the greatest genetic diversity for basil plants is found in Southeast Asia and appears to emanate outward from this region. Basil was readily adopted by cultures along the Mediterranean as ancient Egyptians used it in embalming, beginning circa 2600 BCE. Ancient Greeks thought it symbolized hatred, and Roman Pliny the Elder wrote a treatise in his Naturalis Historia, published in 77 CE, correcting the Greek misconceptions about basil.

Tips From Our Kitchen

Though Dried Basil has a more assertive flavor that fresh and shows more anise-like notes, it is still a delicate herb that goes better with milder meat. It is beautiful on fish, so add to pan-seared cod or make an easy lemon and dried basil marinade for halibut or orange roughy. Blister olives in a hot pan with Dried Basil and a strip of orange peel. Toss over tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil for a summery treat, even if the skies are gray. Sauté with onions for a savory herbal base for your minestrone, and then add more at the end to liven up the flavor.

If your recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh basil, you can replace that with one teaspoon of dried basil.

Our Dried Basil is imported from Egypt.

This product is certified kosher.

Hungry for more information?

Spice Cabinet 101: Getting the Most Out of Your Dried Herbs
Italian Spices and Herbs
What is the Shelf Life of Spices and Herbs?
Genetic Diversity of Basil