BASIL

OCIMUM BASILICUM

AS WE ENTER THE FIFTH CIRCLE YOU CAN FEEL THE ANGER, here Dante confronts the giant as he crosses the river Styx, where lie the souls overcome by rage.

Deriving from the Greek basilikos, which means worthy of a King”, the origins of this plant are lost in time and myth. The Romans already recommended planting it in abundance from the middle of May to the summer solstice, and it was widely believed that they should not be cut with iron tools, something which is infact true as the plan quickly oxidizes and turns black when cut with a knife.

FOLKLORE - For centuries, Basil has been somewhat unfairly seen as a symbol of the Devil. In Ancient Greece, it was associated to hatred and was believed to only flourish when abused. Indeed, it would often be shout to and coursed at while planting it seeds to favour its growth.

OTHER USES - Basil is an integral part of Italian cusine, and you are bound to find it everywhere from pizzas to olive oils. Nowehere does it play most the leading role however than in an amazing Pesto Genovese. This is our favourite recipe.