Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), is a plant with a thick foliage and small white flowers. Fresh basil leaves a sweet and aromatic taste giving off a fresh and floral aroma, while the dried ones have a spicy and earthy scent.
Basil, especially its leaves, is used mainly for culinary purposes all over the world. It’s a well-known fact that basil leaves are widely used in mediterranean cuisine mainly in salads and pasta. The essential oil from sweet basil is also often added in various foods such as spiced meats, sausages, tomato pastes, ketchups, pickles, and fancy vinegars.