Basil – the aromatic herb highlight for your kitchen

Basil is one of the most popular herbs worldwide – and rightly so. It's intensely aromatic, slightly sweet, calming, and instantly brings a Mediterranean flair to any dish. Whether fresh, blended, or chopped, basil is a perfect addition to a healthy, fresh diet.

Here's what you should know about basil

• Strongly aromatic and intense in flavor
  
• Soothing & liver-supporting
  
• Rich in antioxidants
  
• Perfect for smoothies & fresh dishes
  
• Not filling – ideal as a supplement
  
  

 Season: June–September (fresh from the region), available year-round in pots

Nutrients & health effects

Basil may seem light – but it's packed with valuable ingredients.

Per 100 g:

• Energy value: 22 kcal
  
• Protein: 3.2 g
  
• Carbohydrates: 2.7 g (of which 0.3 g sugars)
  
• Fat: 0.6 g
  
• Dietary fiber: 1.6 g
  

Health benefits:

• Contains many antioxidants – protects your cells
  
• It has a mildly calming and relaxing effect.
  
• Can support liver function
  
• Promotes fresh, light cuisine without many calories
  
• Strengthens the stomach thanks to essential oils

Taste & Texture

Basil tastes good:

• intensely aromatic
  
• slightly sweet
  
• with warm, Mediterranean notes
  

The tender leaves are ideal for:

• Flavoring dishes
  
• Mixing pestos
  
• Refining salads, smoothies & bowls
  
  

How to make the best use of basil with kitchen gadgets

Stand mixer / High-performance mixer
Perfect for:

• Fresh basil pesto
  
• Green smoothies & detox drinks
  
• Creamy dips and herb sauces
  
  

Multi-chopper
Ideal for:

• Quickly chopped basil without knife work
  
• Small portions of pesto
  
• Herb butter or aromatic pastes
  

Air fryer
Less common – but possible for:

• Crispy basil topping (dry briefly!)
  
• Crunch for pasta, bowls or soups
  
  

bread maker
Great for aromatic:

• Basil herb bread
  
• Mediterranean rolls
  
• Pizza dough with fresh basil
  
  

Ice cube maker / Meal prep
Very useful for:

• Freeze basil in oil or water
  
• Perfect herb cubes for soups, sauces & pasta
  
  

Purchasing & Storage

Recognizing freshness:

• Bright green leaves
  
• No black spots
  
• The leaves stand upright and have an intense fragrance.
  
  

Storage:

• Basil loves warmth → do not refrigerate
  
• The best way is to place them in a glass of water, like flowers.
  
• Alternative: Wash, dry and freeze the leaves (or preserve them in oil)
  
• Store uncovered in the refrigerator – it will quickly turn black.
  

Use in the kitchen

• Classic: Caprese, pasta, pizza
  
• Healthy: Smoothies, herb dips, bowls
  
• Mediterranean: Pesto, bruschetta, vegetable dishes
  
• Creative ideas: Basil-lemon water, basil ice cream, herb bread
  
• Perfect complement to tomatoes, lemon, garlic, zucchini and more
  
  

Fun Facts

1. Basil was a symbol of happiness and protection in ancient Greece .
   
2. There are over 60 varieties – from cinnamon basil to Thai basil.
   
3. “Basil” comes from the Greek word “basileus” and means king – that is why it is also called “king’s herb”.
   
   

Conclusion – Why you should use basil more often

Basil brings intense aroma, antioxidants, and Mediterranean flavor to any kitchen. It's light, fresh, healthy, and perfect for enhancing dishes. With practical kitchen appliances like blenders, food processors, bread makers, or ice cube trays, basil can be used in a variety of ways – from pesto and smoothies to aromatic herb bread.

A true "king of herbs" that should be in every healthy kitchen.