Opal basil

Speaking of purple plant pigments, the ones in opal basil are responsible for turning aromatic vinegar a beautiful shade of rose, I always look forward to preparing some during the summer.

For all of us who enjoy this lovely herb it will come as a shock that the Greeks believed it to be driving men to madness. It is associated with the basilisk and folk tales say one needs to curse and rant when planting it, in order for it to grow, because it is an herb of hatred and anger, born of the scorpion's poison.

I can attest that in my experience that has not yet proved to be true, I have successfully planted it many times and did not use inappropriate language to spur its development. Nor did I notice any increase in unusual behavior on my part, but then again...

The Italians on the other hand consider it the herb of love and purification. Can you imagine the confusion engendered by trying to use it in the wrong context? Anyway, back to cooking.

It is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a youth preserving herb, and it seems to contain nutrients essential to maintaining a healthy heart, such as magnesium, vitami
K, iron, calcium and B vitamins.

I always have a pot of basil on the terrace, and even though I love the purple varieties more, the large leaved Italian is a lot more fragrant, a very nice quality during hot summer afte
oons. The plant doesn't like dry conditions, so make sure to water it regularly, especially if planted in a pot.