Basil

Basil is a fragrant and versatile herb, celebrated for its bright green, tender leaves and sweet, slightly peppery flavor. A staple in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisines, basil is most famous for its starring role in classic dishes like pesto, Caprese salad, and Thai curries. Its aromatic qualities add a fresh, vibrant note to sauces, dressings, and marinades, while also pairing beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Basil is best used fresh, as its delicate leaves can lose flavor when dried or overcooked. Whether chopped into salads, scattered over pasta, or blended into sauces, basil brings a burst of garden-fresh taste that elevates any recipe.

Basil is a popular herb often used in a variety of dishes, from Italian pastas to fresh summer salads. In most grocery stores, you can find fresh basil in the produce section, typically near other fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint. It may be sold in small plastic clamshell containers or as bunches tied together with a twist tie. Sometimes, you’ll also find basil plants in small pots, allowing you to pick fresh leaves as needed and even grow your own at home. If your recipe calls for dried basil, head to the spice aisle, where it will be in a small jar alongside other dried herbs and seasonings. For the freshest flavor, opt for fresh basil when possible, especially if you’re making dishes like pesto, caprese salad, or adding it as a finishing touch to soups and pizzas.