Basil | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Lamiaceae |
Genus: | Ocimum |
Species: | O. basilicum |
Binomial name | |
Ocimum basilicum L. |
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
---|---|
Energy | 94 kJ (22 kcal) |
2.65 g
|
|
Dietary fiber | 1.6 g |
0.64 g
|
|
3.15 g
|
|
Vitamins | |
Vitamin A equiv. |
(33%)
264 μg
(29%)
3142 μg |
Thiamine (B1) |
(3%)
0.034 mg |
Riboflavin (B2) |
(6%)
0.076 mg |
Niacin (B3) |
(6%)
0.902 mg |
Pantothenic acid (B5) |
(4%)
0.209 mg |
Vitamin B6 |
(12%)
0.155 mg |
Folate (B9) |
(17%)
68 μg |
Choline |
(2%)
11.4 mg |
Vitamin C |
(22%)
18.0 mg |
Vitamin E |
(5%)
0.80 mg |
Vitamin K |
(395%)
414.8 μg |
Minerals | |
Calcium |
(18%)
177 mg |
Iron |
(24%)
3.17 mg |
Magnesium |
(18%)
64 mg |
Manganese |
(55%)
1.148 mg |
Phosphorus |
(8%)
56 mg |
Potassium |
(6%)
295 mg |
Sodium |
(0%)
4 mg |
Zinc |
(9%)
0.81 mg |
Other constituents | |
Water | 92.06 g |
|
|
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
Basil UK /ˈbæzəl/;US /ˈbeɪzəl/ (Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb". The name "basil" comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), "royal/kingly plant".
Basil is possibly native to India, and has been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It was thoroughly familiar to the Greek authors Theophrastus and Dioscorides. It is a tender plant, best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Taiwan. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.