Basil has long been revered. It has even been the stuff of legends. In ancient Rome, the name of the herb referred to Basilisk, the fire breathing dragon. Taking the herb was thought to be a charm to protect one from the dragon. It is interesting to note that today basil is used as an antidote to venom.

The Greeks also held respect for Basil; their word for it meant royal or kingly. It was believed that only the king himself could harvest the herb, and only when using a golden sickle.

In Romania basil held more of a romantic meaning. There, when a lad accepted a sprig of basil from a maiden, he was officially engaged.

Basil is one of the easiest of the herbs to grow. Planted or potted in an area with lots of sunlight and given plenty of water, it will produce a crop of fragrant leaves all summer. Be sure to pinch back the top and cut off any flower spikes. This will encourage more growth and keep the plant producing up until the first frost. This longevity makes basil an ideal plant for a garden border. Try planting a number of different varieties to add color to the garden. If space is a problem, remember basil does well in containers, and even indoors, as long as it is given enough sunlight and heat.

Basil plants are heavy producers, and you might want to preserve some for later use. One method is to puree the leaves with a bit of water or oil, then pour this into ice cube trays and freeze. When they are frozen solid, remove the cubes and store in a zip lock bag in your freezer. This is a convenient way to add just the right amount of basil to sauces or soups. It is best to add the cubes, or any herb, at the end of the cooking process.

Another, more traditional, means of preserving basil is to layer the leaves in a jar, lightly salt the leaves, and then cover with virgin olive oil. When handling the herb, be gentle, as it bruises easily and will turn black. Seal the lid tightly and place in a cool, dark place or refrigerate. Use the leaves as needed and reseal each time. This will keep up to six months. The oil soon becomes infused with the essence of the basil, making it ideal for use in dressings or in pastas.