Ancient Greeks hated basil, equating it with scorpions and other unpleasant things. Ancient Romans on the other hand equated it with love and fertility. The Italians use sweet basil a lot usually in dishes that have tomatoes. Thais also love using this herb in their cooking. Chopped fresh basil imparts a sweet scented, minty aroma when sprinkled over baked chicken, lamb and fish.
Traditional pesto is made with basil.
Crush dried leaves with hands or in a mortar and pestle to release the herb's flavor before using it to cook. The fresh herbs can be used in salads, gravies, pork, veal, mutton and fish dishes. When cooked in vegetarian dishes, basil adds a new dimension to them. It can soothe pain and promote perspiration. Nursing mothers can eat basil to promote production of breast milk.