There are many varieties of basil. The type used in Italian food is called sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum thyrsiflora), lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) which are used in Asian cooking and medicine. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning to smell, like other plants in the mint family with square stems. Basil oils have potent antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Delicious basil recipies.
