Queen of Herbs: Basil!

There are 150 different varieties of basil, but today we are going to touch on Sweet Basil.

Being a member of the mint family, basil is an aromatic annual herb that was first native to India. It’s a part of Mediterranean medicine, offering health-promoting properties. As for example, fighting infections from bacteria to parasites, calming inflamed rashes, acne, and even used as an insect repellent. If you are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, basil is great to lift your spirits!

3 ways you can add basil to your day; fresh, dried, topically (with oil) or tincture form.

The nutritional value provides vitamins K, A and vitamin C. Along with minerals such as manganese, copper, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Classic Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 medium heirloom tomatoes

• 1 (8oz) ball fresh mozzarella

• Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

• Fresh sea salt & ground black pepper

Instructions:

• Slice tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and layer them onto a platter with fresh basil leaves

• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  Just that simple!

  This fresh, yummy salad has variations: add a dollop of pesto, or adding a sweet twist with sliced peaches, and even a few mint leaves giving that cool fresh taste!

Thai Holy Basil Stir Fry (seves 1-2)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs extra-virgin coconut oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)

• 1 chicken breast, sliced into small pieced or tofu

• 1 small bird’s eye chili (crushed)

• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced

• 1 glove garlic, minced

• 1 Tbs fish sauce

• 2 tsp Thai chili paste

• 2 tsp tamari sauce

• 1/2 red pepper, thinly sliced

• 10 Thai holy basil leaves (or sweet basil)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add in chicken & cook, stirring until golden.

• Add chili, onion, garlic, fish sauce, chili paste & tamari sauce to the pan.

• Cook stirring constantly, until onions being to soften, and liquids thicken slightly, 3-4 minutes.

• Add red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.

• Stir in basil and remove from heat.

• Dish up & serve!

Recipe provided by Dr.Ed Bauman

Pizzorno, J. E., & T, M. (2005). “The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods”. New York: ATRIA.

Mia Martinek, N.C.