Basil (Basilico)

Basil is a lovely aromatic herb with a spicy and aromatic scent. Many say that basil is the most important herb in Italian cooking, and I'd have to agree. In Italy basil leaves are best known in pesto, but is also used to flavor tomato sauces, salads and in minestrone and vegetable soups. Fresh basil, of course, is the best thing to use, and it is very easy to grow -- dry basil has practically no flavor. If there are times when fresh basil is not available, do use dry basil (definitely Not for pesto, though) Use it in soups, salads and tomato sauces. Fresh basil can also be stored by layering in a jar with olive oil.