Nowadays basil, an aromatic herb with the Latin name Ocimum basilicum and belonging to the lamiaceae family (the same as oregano, mint and thyme) is one of the most used in the world. Although the so-called sweet basil is mainly known and widespread in Italy, the varieties of basil, each with different characteristics and aromas, are many and many of these are found in the Asian continent.

Few know, in fact, that this herb probably originated in India and that, from here, it then spread to neighboring areas and then reached the West. Let's go then to discover its history, its ancient use in different countries and cultures as well as some of its main varieties.

From South East Asia to conquer the rest of the world

This versatile herb with an intense aroma and innumerable uses in the kitchen began to be cultivated about 5000 years ago in South East Asia , and in particular in India and tropical Asia, although some written evidence from 807 AD suggests that the sweet basil, at that time, was already used in the Chinese region of Hunan. From Asia the plant would then travel around the world, first migrating to the Middle East thanks to the spice traders, in countries with an ideal climate such as Iran and Egypt, then around 350 BC in Greece and Italy , thanks probably to the army of Charlemagne who moved east with scholars in tow, and finally after the sixteenth century in England and America. The fascinating history and diffusion of basil is characterized by different uses in different cultures , not only as food but also as a healing plant or with the most disparate properties , which often resulted in superstitions and folkloristic elements.
For example, basil has long been linked to ancient traditional herbal medicines including Ayurveda , the ancient traditional Indian medicine. In ancient Egypt it is probable that the plant was associated with conservation and antibacterial properties and for this reason it was used in the mummification process, and was found inside tombs. Even for the ancient Greeks and Romans, basil was wrapped in folkloristic traditions and beliefs. The Greeks , for example, attributed a negative value to it, considered a symbol of hatred and mourning, while the ancient Romans considered it a magical and sacred plant to be collected following precise rituals. The famous Roman naturalist Pliny also described its strengthening aphrodisiac properties; later, thanks to these beliefs, it became the true symbol of lovers for different peoples. In Portugal, for example, basil plants are still donated to a lover or loved one, along with a poem, during certain religious holidays.

The aromatic plant with a hundred varieties

Beyond its cultural importance throughout history, basil is first of all a versatile and precious culinary ingredient, with different characteristics, flavors and uses depending on the types. In Italian cuisine, the most common types of basil are sweet ones, also called Basilico Genovese DOP , and Common Italian Basil , used for some of the most iconic and appetizing dishes of our tradition, such as spaghetti with tomato and basil, pasta with pesto Genoese and the simple and tasty Caprese salad; it is also used for the creation of tasty creams and thirst-quenching drinks . In fact, in Italy the varieties of basil grown are many more, which is not surprising considering that in total, in the world, there are more than a hundred of them, with the most varied colors, aromas and tastes . Among the most famous varieties of basil we find the anise and lemon basil, with its characteristic aromas, the Asian Thai basil (or licorice basil) and sacred basil (typical of Indian cuisine), and finally the Greek and red basil. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves can have a more or less sweet taste and lend themselves to different types of preparations, from salads to fruit salads, from savory recipes to desserts.

by Ivana De Innocentis
Revised, corrected and expanded by the Tumn® editorial staff