| Latin Name: | Ocimum basilicum (ct. linalol) |
| English name: | Basil Grand Vert (ct. linalool) |
| French Name: | Basilic grand vert (ct. linalol) |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Origin: | Egypt, India |
History and Origin
This variety of basil was likely developed in India, where the plant is sacred and used for the worship of Vishnu and Krishna. Still today, its medicinal properties are very much valued by Indian health practitioners. The essential oil from this plant is known since the 14th century. It came through to Europe and England from the Middle East with the first emigrants. The term "basil" would be derived from ancient Greek meaning "royal plant", for the value the plant represented. The French name "basilic" and the use of the plant in cooking date back to the 13th century.