Overview

Basil is a native herb of the Middle East and very widely used in both is region’s cuisine as well as Mediterranean dishes. Egypt and Turkey are the main producers and processors of basil. Its strong, pungent taste compliments many dishes, both savoury and sweet, and is a perfect marriage to tomato dishes. Basil is one of the most legendary herbs, sold in large quantities.

Basil is one of the most widely used herbs and is essential to Mediterranean and Arabic Cuisine. In its dry form, it is perfect in soups, vinaigrettes, grains, marinades, egg dishes and breads. Tomato dishes are taken to a whole new level when dried basil is added. This herb also complements both chicken and meat dishes by adding it to the overall spice mix. A sprinkle of dried basil is a perfect finishing touch to a pasta dish.

The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking.
Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won’t do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.