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Базилик относится к травам и кустарникам из семейства Яснотковые. Встречается в тропическом и теплом умеренном климате. Родина базилика — Южная Азия. В диком виде растение можно найти в Америке, Африке и Азии, но в основном культивируется.
Together with a gastroenterologist, we understand what are the benefits and harms of basil for the body and how to choose and store it correctly.
Types of basil
Видов базилика множество — более 150, и все они различаются цветом листьев, ароматом и вкусом. Все виды условно делятся на зеленый базилик и фиолетовый.
Green обладает более тонким запахом и вкусом, распространен как пряность в Средиземноморье. Перечислим часто встречающиеся виды зеленого базилика:
- Broad-leaved basil. Possesses a smell of pepper, is added to marinades.
- Evenol thermophilic basil. It has an interesting aroma – a mixture of mint, lemon and cloves, but at the same time a rather bitter taste. It is added to soups, meat and even sweet dishes.
- Italian basil. Reminiscent of anise, this type of basil is considered the best for pesto sauce, as well as for salads and drinks.
purple basil has a sharper aroma and taste than green – it has a lot of essential oils. It is often eaten fresh. Here are the most common types of purple basil:
- Yerevan basil. It has a taste of pepper and tea, suitable for sauces, salads, meat and fish dishes, as well as soups.
- Basil red and common basil. Similar to each other, the aroma is peppery-clove, used in various marinades and salads.
- Базилик осмин. Pepper-clove aroma, especially loved in India. Suitable for salads and marinades.
Появление базилика в питании
The ancient Greeks called basil “Okimon”. In the XNUMXth century, this spice came to Europe and quickly spread as a fragrant addition to dishes. In India, this plant is considered sacred and revered in much the same way as the lotus.
Состав и калорийность базилика
Basil is rich in essential oils, which contain camphor, saponin, and cineole, which are beneficial for the body. Also in this spice there are vitamins: rutin, carotene, B2, PP, C.
| Caloric value on 100 g | 27 kcal |
| Proteins | 2,5 g |
| Fats | 0,6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4,3 g |
Benefits of basil
Basil essential oil has antibacterial activity, which helps fight infections while complementing antibiotic treatment.
Basil also contains jasmine and arachidonic acids, which relieve inflammation. The antioxidant properties of basil are also known, which have been studied “in vitro” on various cells. Basil extracts protected liver cells, showing hepatoprotective properties.
Используется свойство базилика уменьшать бронхоспазм и снижать кашлевой рефлекс.
Польза базилика для женщин
For the female body, basil will become an assistant during weight loss, because due to its low calorie content, it can be safely added to food. Also, this plant has a fat-burning effect and speeds up metabolism, calms the nervous system and reduces pain during menstruation.
В косметологии используется эфирное масло — оно снимает воспаления, заживляет повреждения, разглаживает мелкие морщины.
Польза базилика для мужчин
Мужчинам базилик особенно важен: улучшается венозный кровоток, повышается качество сна и внимания, усиливается кровообращение в органах нижнего таза, что способствует нормализации потенции и либидо. Зависимость от курения значительно снижается.
Польза базилика для детей
Детям базилик способен улучшить иммунитет, помочь восстановиться после травмы или операции за счет обезболивающего и успокаивающего эффекта. Однако вводить это растение в рацион стоит не раньше, чем с семи лет.
Вред базилика
– In addition to the beneficial properties of basil, it also has a number of contraindications, – says gastroenterologist Sergey Karaulov. — От него следует отказаться беременным женщинам, больным эпилепсией, сердечно-сосудистыми заболеваниями и диабетом, а также детям до семи лет, поскольку он оказывает раздражающее действие на желудочно-кишечный тракт. Базилик вреден в больших количествах (допустимая норма для взрослого человека в день — 30 г). Он содержит ртутные соединения, которые вредны для организма.
The use of basil in medicine
From the essential oil of basil, a colorless liquid is obtained – eugenol. It is added to antiseptic and painkillers. Basil is also a source of rutin, which is added to preparations to stimulate the cardiac system. Basil components are useful in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, so they are added to cough medicines, says Sergey Karaulov.
Also, eugenol from basil oil is used in dentistry – it is part of insulating gaskets, temporary fillings. Basil essential oil is used in aromatherapy as a sedative.
Применение базилика в кулинарии
Basil is a bright seasoning that is suitable even for sweet dishes. Both fresh and dried basil are used.
Basil pesto sauce
Classic Italian green basil sauce. It is better to use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator in a jar, pouring olive oil on top.
| Basil | 100 g |
| Garlic | 1 denticle |
| Kedrovыe walnuts | 2 Art. spoons |
| Olive oil | 50 ml |
| Parmesan | 50 g |
| Salt | 0,5 tsp |
Lightly fry half the nuts in a pan, set aside half raw. Parmesan grate on a fine grater.
From basil, use only the leaves – wash them and dry them. In a bowl, mix the nuts, basil, minced garlic, parmesan and salt. Grind with a blender or grind in a mortar. Gradually pour in the olive oil.
Grind longer if you want a thinner sauce (eg for pasta). For use as a spread, you do not need to grind for a long time, rather large pieces should remain.
Submit your signature dish recipe by email. [email protected]. Healthy Food Near Me will publish the most interesting and unusual ideas
Salad with basil
Свежий летний салат, который подойдет в качестве легкого ужина
| Tomatoes | 400 g |
| Shallot | 30 g |
| Curd | 3 Art. spoons |
| Basil | to taste |
| Vegetable oil | 2 Art. spoons |
| Salt | to taste |
| Allspice | to taste |
Wash the tomatoes and cut into slices. Onion cut into half rings.
В миску выложить лук, томаты, добавить творог (лучше подходит зерненый), мелко нарезанный базилик. Заправить маслом, посолить и поперчить. Дать настояться 5 минут и подавать к столу.
How to choose and store basil
At the time of buying fresh basil carefully examine the leaves – regardless of color, they should be bright, elastic. If you rub the leaf, the aroma will be saturated. There should be no plaque, spots, dried leaves.
Keep fresh basil in a jar of water; it will keep for several days at room temperature. In the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment, the basil will lie in paper for a week – the leaves should be dry. You can freeze the leaves whole or puree, the spice does not lose its properties for up to six months.
At the time of buying сушеного базилика it is better to choose a package with a transparent window to view the contents. Check the mixture for parasites and foreign matter.
Хранится сушеная пряность в герметичной упаковке в темном месте. Постепенно аромат теряется, поэтому используйте базилик в течение нескольких месяцев.
Popular questions and answers
We answer popular questions from readers about the basilica.
What does basil taste like?
Можно ли заморозить листья базилика?
Перед заморозкой промойте и тщательно просушите листья. Поместите их в порционные пакеты и уберите в морозильную камеру. Также можно измельчить базилик блендером в пюре, наполнить им формочки для льда и использовать в дальнейшем для приготовления соусов.
Как вырастить базилик на подоконнике?
The plant should be placed on the bright side of the apartment – if there is a lack of light, use special fitolamps, otherwise the basil will not grow well. Basil does not tolerate cold, draft and drought. Spray the plant regularly on hot days, water the soil as it dries.
Если будут появляться бутоны, их необходимо ощипывать. Чтобы базилик лучше кустился, верхние побеги тоже следует периодически прищипывать.
Planting Seeds
Soak the seeds for a day on a damp cloth, change the water twice a day. Rinse and dry on paper towel afterwards. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1 cm, sprinkled with earth, covered with foil and placed in a warm place. Spray the soil periodically with a spray bottle.
Seedlings appear after 7-10 days – the film can be removed, and the extra shoots thinned out. After the basil shoots have reached a height of 5 cm, sprinkle them lightly with earth to strengthen them.
Planting by cuttings
You can use cuttings from an adult plant. Cut a branch from the bush, put it in a jar of water and wait for the roots to appear. Water must be changed every day.
After that, plant a branch in the ground to a depth of 3-5 cm, water regularly.