Sweet basil, Heila and Barbecue. (Basil)

Member Name: B-DISE

Product:	Basil
Date:	09/11/01 (228 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simply delicious.

Disadvantages: Die easy in cold weather.

Did you know, ?Children of the Earth Mother? actually are forgotten words for all plants on earth, when each were seen worthy of respect and importance to humankind? Centuries ago the Greek philosopher, Thephrastus attempted classifying plants dividing the plant world into groups like trees, shrubs and herbs. Physically, spiritually and mentally herbs were of utmost importance to people?s every day life. Knowledge about herbs were spread verbally though as populations grew it became important to keep correct information about herbs in writing, today still used as guidelines.

Do you want to return your lover?s wandering eyes? Start by carrying pockets of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Labiatae on you. You might even be magnetizing money, or so the rural Mexico beliefs are. Basil was even made to belong to the pagan love goddess Erzula in Haiti. After the resurrection of Christ, Basil was found growing around the tomb. Intriguing, do you agree?

Basil?s spicy warm flavor overwhelms me each time I cook. It leaves me no choice but to confess I have been charmed by it?s divine essence. Perhaps that is why my eyes will not wander, not a chance! How often did you wonder what else to serve with your Barbecue (better known in our Country as a ?Braai?)? Ready for something slightly different? Basil, fresh from your garden, can be a very tasty treat. Oh, but I need your patience.

Many variations of Basil are known of which I will but mention a few, so please humor me. The Dark Opal Basil (O.b. ?Purpurascens?) with it?s pale pink flowers, crinkled purple leaves sets free a medium flavor. Lemon Basil?s (O.b. ?Citriodorum?) green leaves have a lemon scent with white flowers. Then there is The Bush or Greek Basil (O.b. ?Minimum?) which is
compact with tiny green leaves with a nice medium flavor.

Basil is very useful as a digestive remedy, known to help with headaches, anxiety, concentration and respiratory problems in essential oils. Lavender, marjoram, Melissa, hyssop, bergamot, neroli and geranium can also be blended with Basil in essential oils. Therapeutically Basil is one of the known stimulating bath herbs to relax and soothe your body for a peaceful night?s rest. Make yourself a quick fresh Basil bath bag. All it takes is a handful of herbs placed in the center of a piece of fine gauze (or something similar), made into a pouch by tying the corners securely, hanged underneath a hot tap (so the water runs through the bag). Make sure you relax in the water at least ten minutes for best results. Trust me, it works!

Our climate being very hot and dry, except when it rains can be very destructive to a Basil plant in the garden. That I found, was my first mistake years ago when I enthusiastically started my garden. In this climate most herbs need shade to survive, although it can not be hidden away in complete dark areas. Light is very important and you should plan careful before you make a final decision. After numerous attempts I finally realized that Basil do not take kind to sharing it?s space with other herbs. It prefers growing with flowers and shrubs, therefor every where you move in my garden, you will find Basil. The soil should be moist and well drained too I found. Oh, do remember that Basil should be protected from wind, frost and scorching afternoon sun. Basil are fabulous to grow indoors and keeps flies away in your kitchen as well as the fact that its fragrance keeps your kitchen area fresh. I would advise you to water Basil at midday, not in the evening and do be careful of too much water.

I prefer preparing my dishes using fresh yo
ung Basil leaves, but it could be preserved as well. Paint leaves on both sides with Olive oil and freeze or dry. Whole leaves may be stored in Olive oil with the addition of salt. Vinegar or oil could be used to infuse leaves as well. Basil is often found in Mediterranean dishes. Tomatoes and Basil has a tremendous taste blending perfectly as one. Without this versatile herbal, I would be lost, as I can not imagine my recipes without my favorite herb, Basil. In fact, when used in salads, fish and pasta dishes, egg dishes and vegetables, poultry and meat one will always have a success.

Each summer in Namibia the fires are burning often, friends meet and Barbecue is the most popular event, day or night. You might realize those ideas and recipes are born as life goes on. One fine afternoon such sparkling thought came up in my mind, and I disappeared to the back of my garden where my herbals flourished. I did not inform the friends gathering around the fire, as I was about to embark on a very wild idea.

I waited in anticipation for any response, may it be good or negative. I sighed with relieve. It was exactly what any hostess would love to hear. ?What is tasting so good?? ?A new spice on the market?? It could have been the opposite response to what I hoped for, and gladly I share my little secret with you in the hope that you too would find it irresistible. See your patience paid off. I call it the ?Heila?s? toast. You need the following; two slices of bread, white (preferably), butter, grated cheese, sliced tomato, sliced onion, a long piece of thread?and most important of all, fresh Basil leaves. (Do not substitute with Dry basil?you will end up hating me instead). Make a normal sandwich with all the above ingredients, but do be careful not to add the long piece of thread. Thread does not
taste very well barbecued. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Use two fresh basil leaves for each sandwich. I find breaking them into pieces helps the flavor to spread evenly, but you can use the leaves whole. Tie your sandwich with the thread as to keep all the ingredients from falling out while you are handling it on the Barbecue. Once all the meat is done, Barbecue your sandwich to your liking. Ready to be served.

Done? Good. Now, where is my share?

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