Basil, a well known and loved herb commonly used in Italian dishes.

1. Basil stimulates the appetite and helps curb flatulence, perhaps the reason why it works so well with garlic.  Try basil tea to reduce nausea or distress from bloating.
2. For the most intense flavor, basil should be added at the end of the cooking process.  Prolonged heat will cause basil’s volatile oils to dissipate.
3. When substituting fresh basil for dried, triple the amount.
4. Basil doesn’t like to be refrigerated.  It will last the longest placed in a vase of water on your kitchen counter.
5. You might want to try Summertime Bruschetta for an appetizer or salad accompaniment.