Firstly I must thank all the amazing publications round Australia and New Zealand for their support of Druids Garden and the amazing readers I have had the pleasure of meeting – both in person and via email. It’s those experiences that both awaken and humble me. Please visit www.DruidsGardenOnline.com read the articles and most of all email me your thoughts and questions. I always love hearing from readers.
One of my favourite things to do on a weekend is to simply sit at a street side café and people watch while enjoying the outdoors, the ambiance, the coffee and most of all the food!! It was from this experience (and the most amazing Bruschetta) that reminded me of the simple culinary pleasures, of basic wholesome flavours, appreciating the simple things in life that are often overlooked - and it was all prompted by this months herb!
In my Druids Garden this month we see a herb with more varieties than you can poke a stick at and a member of the large Mint family!!
It’s Basil or more specifically Sweet Basil or St Josephs Wort or Ocimum basilicum if you want to sound impressive!
Basil has been cultivated for the last 5,000 years in the tropical regions surrounding Asia, but is actually native to Iran, and India! It was always a popular herb with many quirky customs surrounding it, it was said in Europe that if touched by someone “impure of heart” Basil would wilt. In Greece, basil translated as “the kingly herb” \and for best results should be sown while shouting and swearing! Other customs were based around love, in India, when a woman was ready for a lover she would place a basil plant on her balcony!
Among its many uses, basil has long been associated calmness, and in India was traditionally used to aid in the treatment of Asthma and Diabetes too. Recent studies have confirmed compounds found in Basil oil have some anti-cancer properties, potent antioxidants, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. If you feel that un-mistakable throb of a bad headache on the way – fear not! Reach for the basil, crush the leaves and rub on your temples for relief! Why not make a strong brew of basil tea to calm the nerves, cleanse the kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver and blood! Make a stronger brew and it doubles as a fantastic hair conditioner and scalp treatment!
Basic basil.. the herbal building block, basic yet essential – especially if your making a traditional margarita pizza!!! A good friend sent me an sms with the ingredients – try it and remember the pleasure of simple cooking and flavours!! It’s easy! Get your pizza base then ad, tomato paste, basil and cheese (I do normally cheat and add sliced home grown tomatoes as well) place in the oven till all yummy and golden brown! Then DEVOUR with some good organic red wine!!
Interestingly enough, Basil’s super partner in the kitchen is also its best partner in the garden too. Basil is a perfect companion plant for Tomatoes warding off flying insects, including fruit fly, while making fruit bigger and more flavoursome. But it clashes when planted near Rue.
Being a Mediterranean herb, Basil loves rich free draining soils with plenty of sun – particularly in cooler climates! Unless you plan on collecting seed, best to pinch off the flower shoots which encourages the plant to produce more usable leaves. For all you purists out there, Basil can be grown from a cutting which ensures integrity of variety as they can cross pollinate if planted close together.
More than just a witty Faulty towers line, Basil is an essential herb for any garden – why not experience it today!
Ben Sorensen /|\
