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Basil - fresh

In season

Food Description:

It is popularly thought that basil was introduced by the Italians, when in actual fact, basil is native to Asia and Africa. It is from the mint family. In Romania, if a girl gives a sprig to her boyfriend, they are engaged, and a good Hindu goes to rest with a leaf on his breast as a passport to Paradise.

General Information:

Category: Herb
To Buy: Look for stong fresh leaves without blemishes. Better still, grow your own!
To Store: Store cut basil in a plastic bag lined with kitchen paper to last for a week.
Tips and Tricks: Tear the leaves or use a very sharp knife to avoid bruising, causing the leaves to blacken.

Nutrition (1 Cup):

Weight (grams): 27
Carbohydrates, g: 0.5
Fat (g): 0.2
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a
Energy (kJ): 32
Protein (g): 0.5
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Very high

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: To fully release the aniseed flavour in a pasta sauce, fry the chopped basil in hot olive oil first before adding to the other ingredients.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Bacterial Infections
Digestive Disorders
Infections
Intestinal Worms & Parasites
Bronchitis
Headache
Inflammation

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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