The ROYAL Basil

The name itself - BASIL - denotes either king or queen in the greek language, depending on its reference. In its neuter form and use, perhaps we would call it ROYAL. It certainly is royalty in the mediterranean. Growing in almost every taverna garden or cafe in Greece, SWEET BASIL (of which we will speak in this article) is a part of the cuisine that is as synonymous with Greek cooking as is lamb or spanikopita.

The plant itself hails from the mint family and certainly can be identified as such in its aromatic qualities. Basil is often used - along with rose petals - in Greek Orthodox services when a procession is celebrating an event of elevated stature. As it is thrown out in front of the procession, each and every foot falls on it as the fanfare wends its way to its destination. Breaking open the succulent leaves, the space is transformed. The aroma is simply intoxicating as it rises to the nose. It is considered a holy smell in these services - as much as is rose oil or incense.

Basil contains medicinal elements in its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies from Purdue and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society....

Go to this link for the rest of the story: http://tjm-fathertomscafe.blog...