Basil also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide.
In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as sweet basil or Genovese basil.
Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia.
 
In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, however, basil can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates
 
Nutritional Value

Basil has notably high levels of vitamins K and A, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Basil is known for its beneficial essential oil, which contains eugenol – a natural compound that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.