Basil is one of the most frequently used culinary herbs. It is crucial to Italian cooking, and often called for in French, Indian, Asian, and Greek cuisine as well. Cooking destroys much of the flavour so it is best added at the end of cooking. If you wrap fresh basil in a barely damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, it should last for about four to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze the basil in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews.
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. In addition, basil is a good source of dietary fibre, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.
The word basil comes from the Greek "basileus," which means "sovereign". Legend has basil growing over the spot where Saints Constantine and Helen found the True Cross.