Three things you may not know about basil

• It's a member of the mint family, and usually tastes slightly of mint and cloves.
• There are more than 60 varieties of basil available from seed companies and specialty stores, including lemon basil and cinnamon basil.
• Long-ago legends say that a gentleman who presents his intended with a sprig of basil will have her devotion forever.

Two new ways to try basil

• Make red pesto by adding sun-dried tomatoes and purple basil to cheese, pine nuts and olive oil, and use as a spread on crostini or pizza.
• Try it in basil ice cream as a pure summertime indulgence.

1 tip you can't live without

• Use your hands to shred basil so it retains more of its flavour.

1 thing to remember at the grocery store

• Look for bright, fresh, scented herbs. Pass on those with wilted, marked leaves and stems that seem moldy.

1 essential tool for basil

• A mortar and pestle is a requisite for crushing basil. Look at specialty kitchen stores, such as Word of Mouth in Toronto or Vancouver's Gourmet Warehouse.

1 way to bring italy to your own backyard

• Grow your own basil. Pick leaves before the plants get buds or flowers, and use fresh with Mediterranean staples like tomato salads and pasta.
  

Grow your own beautiful basil.

Find delicious basil recipes.