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Genovese Basil

Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'

Heritage Variety
Verified
Genovese Basil

The classic Italian basil for pesto and Caprese. Large, deeply cupped, intensely aromatic leaves. A staple of Ligurian cuisine for centuries.

The story

Cultivated in the Liguria region of Italy for centuries. The word "basilico" derives from the Greek "basileus" meaning king, reflecting its status as the king of herbs in Italian cuisine.

Origin
Liguria, Italy
Family
Lamiaceae

The wider story

The name "basil" carries a noble history, tracing back to the Greek phrase "basilikón phutón," which translates to "royal/kingly plant." This legacy has earned the plant its enduring titles as the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb." It has also been known by the traditional name "Saint-Joseph's-wort."

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

How to use it

Genovese Basil is commonly used in culinary applications, enhancing dishes with its aromatic flavor. It can be used fresh in salads, sauces, and as a garnish, or dried for seasoning. Additionally, it is known for its potential medicinal properties, often used in herbal remedies for digestive issues.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org

Gardening tip

When planning your garden, note that this herb is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10. While it is treated as an annual in temperate climates, you can grow it as a short-lived perennial or biennial if you live in a warmer horticultural zone with a tropical or Mediterranean climate.

Sources: Grangery, en.wikipedia.org

In the kitchen

Genovese basil, also known as sweet basil, is a highly popular culinary herb used in cuisines worldwide. As a tender herb, it is a staple in Western cooking, where the generic term "basil" typically refers to this specific sweet variety.

Sources: Grangery, en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata, en.wikipedia.org

About

Basil UK: /ˈbæzəl/; US: /ˈbeɪzəl/ (Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb". The name "basil" comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), "royal/kingly plant".

At a glance

What it needs

Water

Regular

USDA hardiness

Zones 4–10

Zone 1Zone 13

Days to maturity

70 days

Sow120 days

Ecology

How it lives

Propagated by
Seed

Known as

Names around the world

ar
ريحان جنوة
en
Genovese Basil, Sweet Basil
it
Basilico Genovese
Full detailsevery field on the record, to copy
Name
Genovese Basil
Slug
genovese-basil
Kingdom
Plantae
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Ocimum
Species
basilicum
Cultivar
Genovese
Category
Herb
Wikidata QID
Q38859
Hardiness zone (min)
4
Hardiness zone (max)
10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water needs
Regular
Days to maturity
70
Germination rate
85%
Propagule type
seed
Pollination type
Open-pollinated
Origin country
Italy
Origin region
Liguria
Container suitable
Yes
Indoor suitable
Yes
OSSI pledged
No
Hazard level
1
Data completeness
77

Generated sections & citations

summaryinaturalist

fun_facts_kidsllm_gemini · confidence 1.00

  • sprigloom (taxonomy)
  • inaturalist (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum basilicum
  • wikidata (common_name)
  • wikipedia (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

fun_facts_adultllm_gemini · confidence 1.00

  • sprigloom (taxonomy)
  • inaturalist (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum basilicum
  • wikidata (common_name)
  • wikipedia (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

cookingllm_gemini · confidence 1.00

  • sprigloom (common_name)
  • inaturalist (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum basilicum
  • wikidata (common_name)
  • wikipedia (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

storyllm_gemini · confidence 1.00

  • inaturalist (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum basilicum

gardening_tipllm_gemini · confidence 1.00

  • sprigloom (hardiness)
  • wikipedia (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

how_to_usellm_openai · confidence 0.90

  • inaturalist (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum basilicum
  • wikipedia (description.summary) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil