SWEET BASIL is its name, and flavor and nutrients is its game! Were you aware there are over 60 varieties of fresh basil? Sweet basil is noted as one of the most widely used. While it's a bright green plant, some varieties have hints of purple or red in their leaves.

The plant we find in the produce section in our grocery stores is the one with the strong smell and recognizable taste. It's a shame though, to limit basil use to just this one variety, because the other varieties offer different (and very nice) flavors. For instance, lemon basil, mint basil, and licorice basil taste remarkably true to their names.

But there's so much more to this traditional herb than the pop of color and flavor that it adds to a dish. It can also provide some serious health benefits. For instance:

•         ANTIOXIDANTS. Sweet basil contains eugenol, and lime and lemon basils have limonene. These antioxidants, along with others such as anthocyanins and beta-carotene, help fight free radicals that can lead to cell damage and increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

•         BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION. Studies show that adding basil helps reduce high blood sugar levels and even lessens long-term effects of high blood sugar.

•         REDUCED INFLAMMATION. Its essential oils (including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol), are powerful inflammation fighters. These anti-inflammatory properties help lower your risk of arthritis. heart disease, and bowel issues.

•         INFECCTION PROTECTION. Basil has distinct antibacterial properties. Research shows its oils help fight bacteria related to respiratory, urinary, abdominal, or skin infections.

•         NUTRITION. Basil is loaded with vital nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium.

Don't you love how something that tastes so wonderful is also so good for the body? Simply put, this amazing herb is a heck of a deal! I'll close with a pasta salad recipe that calls for a cup of fresh basil. It's a family favorite and I'm betting you'll like it too.

Pasta with Greens and Garden Vegetables

Ingredients:

1 pound bow tie pasta
1 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup snipped chives (optional)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup roasted pine nuts
4 cups any combination of greens (spinach, kale, arugula and sorrel are my favorites)
2 cups roughly chopped garden veggies
red pepper flakes to taste
DRESSING
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1 clove garlic
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Combine salad ingredient in large bowl. Gently but thoroughly toss.

Whisk dressing well until emulsified then pour over pasta and other ingredients. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.