Fresh Sweet Basil - 100g

Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb originated in Asia and Africa.

Wizz-up your own pesto or sprinkle it fresh onto your pizza. Adding it to your water is surprisingly refreshing too! 

Did You Know? 

Inhaling the sweet basic scent has calming effects that will uplift your mind and elevate your mood. If you study it further, you will know it is the holy grail in the Lamiaceae that aids the digestive system, soothes symptoms and maybe even repels insects! Imagine bringing basil with you on a hike? 

Why Should You Eat More Herbs and Spices?

Herbs have been used since ancient times for their medicinal properties, mostly concentrated into teas and tinctures. More recently, their healthful value as a food ingredient has been realized. For one, herbs add a burst of flavor to food, allowing you to cut back on salt without sacrificing taste. And several herbs, including parsley, have significant amounts of the essential vitamins A, C and K.

But the true power of herbs lies in their wealth of protective polyphenols — plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Piles of studies show that polyphenols in herbs help combat such diseases as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and more. Polyphenols are anti-microbial, so they can help protect us from harmful bacteria as well. Although many of the studies on herbs’ effects have involved concentrated solutions of the leaves’ active components, there is evidence that their benefits still apply when they are cooked and eaten as part of a regular meal, too.

Credit : The Washington Post

Nutritional Information

As recipes demand relatively small amounts of basil, this herb contributes few vitamins and minerals in typical diets.

Here is the most notable nutrient content of 1 tablespoon (around 2 grams) of sweet basil:

Fresh leaves, chopped Dried leaves, crumbled

Calories 0.6 5
Vitamin A 3% of the RDI 4% of the RDI
Vitamin K 13% of the RDI 43% of the RDI
Calcium 0.5% of the RDI 4% of the RDI
Iron 0.5% of the RDI 5% of the RDI
Manganese 1.5% of the RDI 3% of the RDI

Though dried basil is more concentrated in nutrients, you use less in recipes compared to fresh. Therefore, neither is a significant source of most nutrients — except vitamin K.

Basil also supplies beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health properties.

In addition, these compounds give basil its “essence” — or distinct aroma and flavor. That’s why oils derived from basil and other plants are called essential oils.

Credit: healthline.com

Recipe: Basil and lemon water 

Ingredients:

60ml, fresh lemon juice, lemon slices for garnish (optional) 
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes (optional)

Steps:

1. Place lemon juice, water and basil in a blender and blend until very smooth. Pass through a strainer into a pitcher or large jar. Add ice and the garnish serve!

Product of Israel