It is used as a fresh or dried whole herb and may be steam-distilled to produce an essential oil.
Basil oil has perfume and pharmaceutical use as well as use as a flavoring ingredient.
Many types of sweet basil, with a diversity of flavors and aromas, are available for cultivation. The annual plant is grown from seed or transplants. Basil is very sensitive to frost, so the length of the growing season restricts production in Montana. The plant grows rapidly, and several cuttings may be obtained. Commercially, basil is cut and allowed to wilt before distillation.