Basil is an unusually healthy plant, spice, honey plant, its smell combines a whimsical mixture of spicy aromas.
There is no exact data on where this plant got its name from. According to the first version, the basil herb got its name from the word “basilica” - a Christian church of a rectangular structure, because in medieval times, basil was an obligatory inhabitant of the monastery gardens.
Proponents of another version claim that this name is derived from the Greek word βασιλέας (vasiléas), which means “king”, because ancient doctors and traditional herbalists considered him one of the most important means for strengthening health.
Whatever the origins of its name, throughout its long history of existence next to humans, basil has been and remains a very popular plant on all continents of our planet.
Since the 6th century, it has been used as a medicinal plant. Decoctions and fresh basil leaves are beneficial for improving circulation and digestion. Healing ointments and basil infusions are used to soothe sore eyes and relieve itchy skin. Basil's strong natural antibacterial properties are beneficial in treating bad breath, protecting against tooth decay, and treating headaches and flatulence. Basil leaves are used to make tea, which soothes the nerves and relieves depression, strengthens the immune system, and is also very useful for kidney diseases.
And in the culinary arts of many countries of the world, basil rightfully takes pride of place. It is used as an ingredient in baked goods, meat is stewed with it, soups are cooked, numerous salads and exquisite sauces are prepared. Basil pesto is one of the most famous sauces in the world.
Basil Recipes:
- Soup with beans, pasta and basil oil
- Spaghetti with cheese with tomatoes, basil and artichokes
- Quick pie with meat, brussels sprouts and herbs
- Beef tenderloin with pesto and eggplant
- Tomato chicken soup with beans, basil and spinach
- Boiled pink salmon with green sorrel and basil oil with anchovies
Basil is a native of the southern countries of Asia (India and Ceylon). In the East, he still proudly wears the crown of the sacred king of herbs. But he undoubtedly found his second home in Italy. In this country, basil is considered a symbol of love. Since ancient times in Italy, the stalk of basil in the hair of a man who comes to a woman's house traditionally personifies his intention to marry his beloved. And an Italian woman who decides to accept a marriage proposal can answer the groom by placing a pot of basil on her balcony or window.
By the will of nature, this plant does not have a long life. To remedy this, Israeli breeders have developed a new plant especially for those who would like to enjoy their home-grown basil all year round.
Scientists at the Israeli company Hishtil have successfully used grafting techniques to create the world's first perennial basil. A new kind of basil was obtained by grafting basil roots onto a miniature bonsai tree. The new look of the basil is a tree-like plant with a strong body, topped with a spherical head, consisting of delicious and fragrant leaves. This little robust man continues to grow quietly in his pot and give more and more delicate leaves with a magical aroma for many months after his usual basil cousins have long been turned into compost. The new plant was named the basil tree, often also called "long-legged basil".
In the process of creation, breeders have increased the "long-legged basil" resistance to pests, cooler temperatures and drought. The basil tree is a fairly strong plant that gives a high yield of leaves and has the ability to quickly recover after harvest.It can be grown outdoors, in a garden or patio during the summer, or on a windowsill all year round. If you regularly take it out into the garden for the summer and return it to a warm place in the winter, the basil tree will live for five years.
The "green miracle" from Israeli botanists - the basil tree - has won a number of different prestigious botanical awards around the world, including the prize for the best new ornamental plant from the Institute of Plant Industry in Essen at the gardening fair.
With its bonsai-like growth, long-legged basil is an ideal urban herb to grow in your home for a continuous crop for culinary use. This way of growing basil significantly saves the time, effort and resources of its owners, because it eliminates the need to plant basil every time the harvest has been harvested.
The basil tree is highly decorative all year round. Even when kept in shaded areas, it blooms with white flowers in summer and basil leaves can be harvested several times a year.
Growing a basil tree
Basil is usually sold in a 3 liter container, but it can be grown in a variety of container sizes, from 1 to 10 liters.
The most favorable temperatures for the life of this plant are in the range from + 16 ° C at night to + 24 ° C during the day. Limiting temperatures: minimum +10 C maximum - no more than +40 C.
Spillage is regular, but without waterlogging.
Long-legged basil prefers an abundance of light and warmth. Full sun exposure will improve the plant's appearance and health.
In winter, top dressing is necessary, you can apply a universal fertilizer based on compost, lignohumate or potassium humate. During the summer, fertilizer should be given in small amounts or avoided altogether.
To maintain its health and normal development, it is necessary to constantly keep at least two-thirds of the leaves on its "head" and regularly prune to maintain the neat shape of its crown. Failure to trim the crown will cause it to become too large (more than 50 cm in diameter) and eventually the basil tree will collapse. If the crown is neglected, it can be pruned, leaving 3-5 cm of the length of the shoots, fed and given to the plant from 2 to 3 weeks so that it regains its full size.
The new form of basil immediately became very popular in the United States and in European countries, where it is exported from Israel. Not so long ago, "long-legged basil" appeared in Japan. Japanese consumers are renowned for their uncompromising attitude when it comes to the quality and appearance of their plants. The basil tree has made a splash in the Japanese live plant market. After all, the new plant, in its appearance, is so ideally suited to minimalist Japanese gardens and living quarters. The basil tree allows the Japanese to enjoy both the visual beauty of bonsai and the delicate scent of basil at the same time.
For reference
The Israeli company Hishtil is a world leader in crop production and breeding. The main products of the company are seedlings and seedlings of vegetables, ornamental plants and herbs. The company is known for being at the forefront of spreading knowledge about plants and growing them. Hishtil's innovative approach, which combines deep scientific botanical knowledge, a good knowledge of the global live plant market and the most advanced technologies, allows it to produce the healthiest plant material possible.
