14 best basil

Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves and its widespread use in various culinary traditions around the world. It is often considered a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Here's what you need to know about basil:

  1. Description: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is characterized by its bright green, fragrant leaves with a slightly sweet, peppery, and mildly spicy flavor.

  2. Varieties: There are several varieties of basil, each with its unique flavor profile and culinary uses. Common varieties include sweet basil (used in Italian dishes like pesto), Thai basil (popular in Southeast Asian cuisine), and holy basil (used in Indian and Thai cooking).

  3. Culinary Uses: Basil is a versatile herb that can be used fresh or dried. It is a key ingredient in various dishes, including pasta sauces, salads, soups, pizzas, and sandwiches. Fresh basil leaves are often added just before serving to preserve their flavor.

  4. Pesto: One of the most famous basil-based dishes is pesto sauce. Traditional pesto includes basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil blended into a flavorful sauce. It is commonly served with pasta.

  5. Health Benefits: Basil is not only prized for its culinary uses but also for its potential health benefits. It contains antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin K and vitamin A), and essential oils. Some studies suggest that basil may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

  6. Cultivation: Basil is relatively easy to grow and is a popular herb for home gardens.It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages bushier growth.

  7. Storage: Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. It can also be frozen, although it may lose some of its texture. Dried basil should be stored in an airtight container away from light and heat.

  8. Flavor Pairings: Basil pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, lemon, and balsamic vinegar. It is a key component in the classic flavor combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil (caprese salad).

  9. Cultural Significance: Basil has cultural and symbolic significance in different parts of the world. In some cultures, it is associated with love and is given as a token of affection. In others, it has religious or spiritual importance.

  10. Beverages: Basil is not limited to savory dishes; it is also used in some beverages and cocktails, such as basil lemonade or basil-infused cocktails.

Basil's delightful aroma and fresh flavor make it a beloved herb in kitchens worldwide. It's a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of a wide range of dishes, making it a valuable addition to any pantry.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best basil on the market
  

Gotham Greens Basil, 1.25 oz Clamshell

PRODUCE-WFM

Based on 553 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our sweet, Genovese basil is a fragrant and bright addition to salads, pastas and pestos. Or enjoy it muddled with lime in your favorite cocktail. Keep basil cool but not in the refrigerator for longer-lasting leaves. We are a fresh food company farming with the future in mind. Our farms are unconventional. But so is our commitment to taste, quality and sustainability.

  • Locally Grown
  • Pesticide Free
  • Sustainably Grown
  • Long-Lasting Freshness
  • Non-GMO Project Verified

McCormick Basil Leaves, 2.12 oz

McCormick

Based on 107 reviews Check latest price

Product description

McCormick Basil Leaves have an aromatic, sweet flavor that blends well with garlic and tomatoes. This pantry staple is essential in so many of your family’s favorite recipes, including pizza, pasta, marinara sauce and minestrone. You won’t find a more versatile herb than basil. This member of the mint family carries a fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice. Basil is delicious in everything from spaghetti sauce to roasted meats, soups and salads. You’ll also enjoy it in recipes for marinated olives, Italian sausage and peppers or Tuscan beef stew. McCormick Basil Leaves are gently dried for flavor, color and aroma. Rub the leaves between your fingers before adding it to your dish to release the flavorful oils and superb fragrance.

  • Fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice
  • Member of the mint family
  • McCormick Basil Leaves are gently dried for flavor, color and aroma
  • Sweet flavor blends well with garlic and tomatoes
  • Non GMO

User questions & answers

Question: This item says pack of 3. Are there 3 for
Answer: Hi there, From this ad you can order 1, 3 , or 6 of our Basil. The 3 pack is currently priced at 10.40 subscribe & save rate. ~ Erica
Question: Grown in which country
Answer: The bottle only says packed in the USA for McCormack. It doesn’t say where the basil is grown.

Product features

Social Responsibility

We aim to help improve the health and well being of all people. In an effort to have a positive impact on the planet, we work to build vibrant communities where we live, work and source.

Obsessed With Flavor

Our passion drives how we source, plant and harvest our herbs, spices and extracts. It's why we pursue perfectly balanced seasoning mixes. We strive to find the best flavor, so you can cook the best food. It's a difference you can taste. And we promise, you will.

Since 1889

For over 125 years, meals have started with the flavor of McCormick. With aromas that awaken our emotions and flavors that dance on our tongue, we bring families together and make memories around the table one recipe at a time.

Variety

We offer a wide variety of products: spices, seasoning mixes, extracts, grinders and sauces – to name a few. No matter what you choose, the aroma and taste will always be purely delicious.

Herb Basil Organic, 4 Ounce

Produce

Based on 495 reviews Check latest price
  • Herbs Packaged

McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves, 5 oz

McCormick Culinary

Based on 508 reviews Check latest price

Product description

McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves are carefully harvested and dried to retain natural color and aroma and deliver exceptional flavor in your next culinary creation. Use to enhance the flavor of tomato-based sauces, create a delectable roast chicken with a blend of herbs, or top delicious hand-crafted pizza.

  • McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves feature an anise, mint-like flavor and aroma that’s slightly bitter and appetizingly musty
  • Kosher with no MSG added
  • Sourced especially for chefs, McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves are culinary-grade and carefully harvested and dried to retain natural color and aroma and deliver authentic, fresh flavor
  • Our 5 oz plastic shaker can be easily added to tabletops or buffet lines or to have on hand for waitstaff
  • McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves pair perfectly with pastas, pizzas, poultry and sauces

User questions & answers

Question: How is this different than the regular basil leave product? Other than 150% of the cost
Answer: I am not sure what you mean by different. There are very distinctive uses for both. By the way, both dried products will never give he same results as fresh. When making tomato sauce or similar, I use an entire stalk of basil and the flavour released is never duplicated by dried basil. You can crush dried leaves and perhaps get a bit more flaovur but no much, but why pay higher prices to this?. Whole dried in winter months is nice to have to add whole in soups or sauce. Otherwise crushed leaves are far more convenient. The real answer lies in your recipe not in the difference in taste. The purest would roast me but.............. The price of whole leaves should be higher due to added handling costs. As to the quality of this product we love it, dependable results and taste. No tomato salad or pizza is the same without it.
Question: Recieved my basil today. Is there a best by fate printed somewhere on the container
Answer: Our Food Service products will have a manufactures date code. This is the date the product was made, it is in a little black box on the back of the packaging. For assistance reading the code please contact us at [email protected]. ~ Erica
Question: Grown in which country
Answer: McCormick Culinary Basil Leaves are sourced from Egypt. This product is blended and packaged in the USA. ~ Erica
Question: is this Thai basil or traditional Italian basil? I specifically want Thai
Answer: It is not Thai basil It is Mediterranean. I grow many types in my garden and I am familiar with Thai.

Organic Basil, 0.5 oz Clamshell

PRODUCE-WFM

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fresh Basil is a staple for your recipes! From the mint family, Basil is most commonly known for complementing Italian dishes like bruschetta and pasta sauce, but can also used in a variety of other cuisines. Basil has a fragrant, sweet smell and peppery taste that is sure to elevate your at-home recipes.

  • Organic and natural
  • Fresh and flavorful
  • Clamshell

Gotham Greens, Herb Basil Conventional, 1.25 Ounce

Gotham Greens

Based on 967 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our sweet, Genovese basil is a fragrant and bright addition to salads, pastas and pestos. Or enjoy it muddled with lime in your favorite cocktail. Keep basil cool but not in the refrigerator for longer-lasting leaves.



We are a fresh food company farming with the future in mind. We build and operate sustainable greenhouses in cities across America, where we grow our year-round supply of local produce. Local cultivation and regional distribution help us deliver our products quickly after being harvested to ensure they are fresh tasting, nutritionally dense and long-lasting. Our farms are unconventional. But so is our commitment to taste, quality and sustainability.

  • Locally Grown
  • No harmful pesticides or herbicides
  • Sustainably grown
  • Non-GMO Project verified
  • Long lasting freshness

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Basil Leaves, 0.95 Ounces

Amazon.com Services, Inc.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Happy Belly Basil Leaves can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, fish, or in tomato sauces, soups, salads, or as a pizza topping. Essential seasoning for dominant flavors in Italian cuisine. Pairs well with coriander, chilli, garlic, lemongrass, parsley, oregano and rosemary.

  • 0.95-ounces of Happy Belly Basil Leaves
  • Aromatic member of the mint family with a deep, sweet, slightly peppery taste
  • Use to flavor meats, vegetables, fish, or in tomato sauces, soups, salads, or as a pizza topping
  • Essential seasoning for dominant flavors in Italian cuisine
  • Pairs well with coriander, chilli, garlic, lemongrass, parsley, oregano and rosemary
  • Kosher certified
  • If you like McCormick Basil Leaves, we invite you to try Happy Belly Basil Leaves
  • An Amazon brand

User questions & answers

Question: Is this the whole leaf or is it crushed
Answer: Thank you for considering HB Basil Leaves.....they are whole not crushed.
Question: Are these gluten free
Answer: Thank you for considering HB Basil Leaves. They are gluten free....enjoy!
Question: Is this product from china
Answer: Thank you for considering HB Basil Leaves. They are not a product of China. They come from Egypt, processed and packed in Anaheim, CA.

Dried Basil Leaves 7oz (200g) - Natural, Non-GMO, Vegan, Ayurveda Herb - by Spicy World

Spicy World

Based on 169 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Spicy world sweet basil leaf contains the finest quality basil available. often used in italian foods, this spice is packaged conveniently in our resealable zipper bags for easy storage and freshness!

  • Comes in a resealable bag
  • Contains the finest quality basil available
  • Product of India

HQOExpress | Organic Basil Medium | 6 oz. Chef Jar

HQO HIGH QUALITY ORGANICS

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 100% USDA Certified Organic Organic Basil Medium - 6 oz. Chef Jar
  • Quality Since 1977 - Non GMO - Kosher - Gluten Free
  • Sustainably Farmed Grown Herbicide & Pesticide Free
  • Flavor Profile - Mild and Peppery with Fresh Aromatics
  • Origins - Egypt, United States

User questions & answers

Question: Is the bottle bpa-free
Answer: Yes, absolutely. We use indsutry standard P.E.T. plastics only. Thank you for your question.
Question: Can I ask the size of this box? I was wondering if it would fit my spice rack
Answer: These are full size restaurant chef jars. If your spice rack holds typical little glass bottles, I think not. Thank you.
Question: does this come in a glass jar
Answer: No. These are plastic chef jars as commonly found in a restaurant kitchen. Thank you for your question.
Question: Q to sllr only: i need thyme & tarragon in 5 lb reusale bag. checked your website & found none. is it possible tp buy them as 5lb bag
Answer: At this time we do not offer Thyme or Tarragon in 5lb bags. Thank you for your question.

Product features

100% USDA Organic Basil Medium

Used in India for at least 5,000 years, Basil's aromatic flavor profile is fresh and peppery. Basil is added as the last ingredient in many cooking dishes, because cooking too long destroys the flavor. It is prevalent in Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Taiwanese cuisines.

4 oz Bottle-Basil Leaves Chopped Dried / Albahaca seca picada Kosher

Badia

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

One brand new factory sealed 4 oz Bottle- Basil Leaves-Expiration Date 01/2023

  • Yes!!! Fast-n-Free Shipping (2-3 Business Days)
  • Yes!!! Top quality product & Always Fresh!!
  • Yes !!! 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed or your Money Back.
  • Yes!!! Kosher & Gluten Free Certified
  • Yes!!! Packed in USA

Basil Leaves - Sweet, Authentic, Whole - Great Flavor In Every Bottle, Use on Everything! *** BIG 5.5oz JAR *** By: Big G's Food Service

Big G's Food Service

Product description

Big G's Whole Sweet Basil Leaves features an aromatic, sweet, peppery flavor.

Used to add flavor to Any Italian Dish, Greek Cuisine especially Gyros, grilled meats, salad dressings, culinary oils, breads, baked goods and vegetables, Plus much more!! The Possibilities are endless!!

We Use Only The Finest Quality Whole Basil Leaves....Smell & Taste The Difference!!



**** HUGE 5.5 OUNCE JAR *****

  • ✅ BIG 5.5-ounce Bottle of Whole Sweet Basil Leaves!!
  • ✅ Very Aromatic, Has a Sweet Peppery Taste!
  • ✅ Used to Add Exceptional Flavor to Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Taiwanese cuisines!
  • ✅ Great on Everything! Grilling, Smoking, Roasting, Cooking, or Baking! By: Big G's Food Service
  • ✅ Once You Buy Big G's Famous Sweet Basil Leaves You Will Not Buy Another Brand Again!!

Gel Spice Imported Basil Leaves 28oz

Gel Spice

Based on 208 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Basil Leaves is processed from the dried clean leaves of Ocimum basilicum L. The brownish-green colored curled leaves shall possess a sweet anise-like odor and possess an aromatic, warm, somewhat pungent taste. Basil Leaves shall be made of the true vegetable substance from which no portion of its volatile constituents has been exhausted. Product shall be free of defects and decay, and shall comply in every respect with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Country of Origin: France, Egypt

  • Superior Quality
  • Non-GMO
  • Kosher

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a blend of spices with Basil or Basil only
Answer: Basil only. Excellent flavor for dried herbs, very pleased. Thyme and Rosemary excellent as well.
Question: This product is listed at the top as basil leaves-why are people talking about bay leaves
Answer: There are multiple dried herbs being sold under the same listing.
Question: If the product is "imported basil leaves", how could it be "made in the usa" as listed on the label of the container you show
Answer: The raw product (full leaves) is imported from France & Egypt, then it is processed (dried, crushed, blended, & packaged) in the USA

The Spice Way Basil Leaves - | 3 oz | pure dried basil leaf

The Spice Way

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price
  • BASIL LEAVES - with a unique minty peppery flavor, this herb is used in many Italian dishes including pasta, chicken, fish and more.
  • PURE - no preservatives, no additives, no agents, no irradiation, Non GMO.
  • PREMIUM - selected basil leaves.
  • PACKED FRESH IN THE US - packed in small batches.
  • FARM TO TABLE - 30 years of experience in growing spices, herbs and peppers, using traditional methods like hand-picking, sun-drying and grounding at our facility.

Product features

Premium BasilLeaves

with a unique minty peppery flavor, this herb is used in many Italian dishes including pasta, chicken, fish and more.

Flavors of the World

Very common in many authentic recipes from Europe, especially Italy.

Pure

No preservatives, no additives, no MSG, non GMO, no fillers.

30 Years of Growing Spices, Peppers and Herbs

We grow peppers, spices and herbs using traditional methods. We handpick our crops and sun-dry to keep the minerals and vitamins.

Love of the Land

We take pride in our farm and what the land has to offer. Farm to Table is our way of life.

No Preservatives, No Additives, No Fillers

By growing and blending our spices, we make sure no preservatives, no additives and no fillers are used. What you get is just the spices, pure or blended with other spices in perfect balance.

Simply Organic, Basil, .54 oz

Simply Organic - Frontier

Based on 233 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Simply Organic Basil, .54-Ounce Container

  • 0.54 ounces; Glass bottle
  • Organic, Egyptian, extra-fancy grade basil to enliven every tomato-based recipe
  • Certfied Organic; Kosher
  • 1% of sales supports organic farming
  • A Brand of Frontier Co-op, responsible to people and planet

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