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Rubbed Basil – sweet, spicy, unmistakable
A vibrant green royal herb with an intense, sweet-peppery aroma and one of the world’s most beloved Mediterranean herbs. Its aromatic profile adds warmth and freshness to countless dishes – from sauces and salads to meat and vegetable creations.
What does basil taste like?
The aroma of the leaves combines a sweet spiciness with a light, peppery aftertaste reminiscent of cloves or anise. It is intense, harmonious, and pleasantly aromatic – ideal for giving dishes Mediterranean depth and sunny freshness.When heated, it develops a rounded, soft flavor profile that pairs especially well with tomato-based or creamy dishes without overpowering them.
Basil – pure, hand-picked and gently dried
It thrives in warm climates and is harvested primarily before flowering, when the essential oil content is at its peak. This is when it reveals its full, characteristic aroma.What makes it special is not only the taste, but also the careful harvesting and processing. After harvest, the fresh leaves are gently dried and rubbed to preserve the valuable essential oils and retain the intense green color. This keeps the natural aromas intact, so the flavor remains fresh, sweet-spicy, and aromatic even after drying – an unmistakable pleasure that brings the warmth of the Mediterranean into every kitchen.
The sweet yet peppery taste suits a wide variety of dishes, both raw and cooked. It works wonderfully in sauces, salads, pestos, and marinades, lending them unmistakable Mediterranean freshness. It harmonizes especially well with tomato dishes, developing a rounded, gentle flavor profile when heated that complements rather than overshadows other ingredients. Since it retains its spice during cooking and unfolds a mild, pleasant sweetness, it is extremely versatile without ever becoming dominant. It integrates effortlessly into diverse recipes without masking other spices or ingredients. It is the ideal addition for a balanced and aromatically varied Mediterranean cuisine.
It is the ideal addition for a balanced and aromatically varied Mediterranean cuisine.
Uses for our rubbed basil
A universal seasoning herb – perfect for everyday cooking, especially for:- Sauces and marinades – e.g. tomato sauce, pesto or vinaigrette
- Salads and dressings – such as Caprese, Mediterranean vegetable salad or tomato-mozzarella
- Pasta dishes – spaghetti, gnocchi or honey-basil noodles
- Meat and vegetable dishes – especially with poultry, lamb, potato wedges or bruschetta
- Soups and stews – for a spicy-sweet note in vegetable or tomato soups
- Spreads and dips – as herb butter, cream cheese or Mediterranean dressing
- Egg dishes – scrambled eggs with tomatoes, omelettes or herb pancakes
Tip: Soak overnight in a bowl with a little water for an even more intense aroma.
Recipe ideas with basil
Basil butter
Mix soft butter thoroughly with our rubbed basil, a dash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight so the herb aromas can fully develop.The result is a delicately spiced herb butter with fine green flecks and a sweet-peppery note – perfect for grilled meat, baked potatoes, vegetables, fish or fresh bread. It also tastes excellent on warm baguette or grilled corn.
Creamy basil-tomato soup – velvety, spicy and full of Mediterranean flair
Sauté onions slowly in butter or oil until translucent. Deglaze with vegetable stock and passata, then bring to a brief boil. Add the basil along with some cream or crème fraîche and simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors. This creates a velvety, red-green soup with a sweet-spicy herb note and pleasant peppery tone.For extra creaminess, stir in a little cornstarch slurry or a small roux. For refinement, add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar for fresh acidity.
Garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche and toasted croutons. Served with fresh baguette or crispy ciabatta, it becomes a light, aromatic dish – perfect for Mediterranean cuisine.
Basil pesto – intense, sweet and versatile
For aromatic pesto, blend rubbed basil, toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality olive oil in a mixer into a fine, homogeneous mass. For extra creaminess, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a little more olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.The result is a vibrant green, spicy pesto that is not only a classic with pasta but also adds a sweet-peppery note to risotto, bruschetta or grilled vegetables. For longer shelf life, transfer to a clean jar and cover with a thin layer of olive oil – this preserves the aroma for several days.
Tip: Before serving, refine the pesto once more with toasted nuts or fresh Parmesan to intensify texture and flavor. This creates a versatile, Mediterranean-fresh companion for countless dishes – aromatic, pure and easy to prepare.
Mediterranean dressing
Whisk olive oil with Aceto Balsamico, a little mustard, our rubbed basil and a pinch of sugar. Drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables or tomato-mozzarella – for a perfect sweet-spicy note.
Packaging & Quality
Hand-filled into an elegant, aroma-tight pouch with a viewing window and practical clip closure. This keeps the freshness intact and makes dosing effortless.Storage note: Store in a cool, dark, light-protected place to preserve the full aroma.
Botany and origin
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is an annual herbaceous plant that reaches heights of 20 to 60 cm. It prefers warm, sunny regions and is indispensable in Mediterranean cuisine.Its exact origin is not fully clarified, but historical evidence points to ancient Egypt, where it was used in embalming. In Greek antiquity, it appeared in folklore and rituals – the name derives from “basilikón,” meaning “royal.”
It was valued both culinarily and medicinally in antiquity. In the Middle Ages, it entered monastic medicine for digestive issues and general strengthening. Today it is cultivated worldwide, preferably harvested before flowering to maximize the intense aroma.
The leaves are rich in essential oils responsible for the sweet-peppery scent – a herb with a long tradition as the “king of herbs.” In modern cuisine, it is a staple, especially in pesto, tomato dishes or on pizza.
Today it is a fixed component of modern herb cuisine and is used both fresh and dried. Its harmonious aroma makes it an elegant seasoning for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors.
Conclusion: Basil – sweet, spicy, natural
A piece of Mediterranean aroma for every season that lends your dishes a finely sweet freshness and natural depth. Ideal for anyone cooking with pure, rubbed basil – aromatic, versatile and unmistakable.Review
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