Lets explore the long history of Basil! From Ancient Greece to Modern day, basil has been around for thousands of years. We discuss some cultivars you can find today, some of the oldest civilizations that used basil, superstitions and scorpions! as well at the tale of Elisabetta and Lorenzo. 

Plants mentioned in today's episode:

• Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Lettuce Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaf')
• Mammoth Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Mammoth')
• Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) 
• Spicy Globe (Ocimum basilicum)
• Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
• American/Lemon Basil (Ocimum americanum)
• Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum)
• Purple Ruffles Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles')
• Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens')
• Green Ruffle Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Sources:

NASA Grows Basil

Purple Ruffles Basil

New World Encyclopedia Basil

Iowa State University Basil

Herbs by Christopher Sullivan

A Visual History of Basil by Lauren Allen

University of Oxford Basil

Basil by M. Grieve

The Secret Life of Basil: Forlorn Love, Holy Water, and Scorpions?

Tulsi: The Elixir of Life

Tulasi in Hinduism

Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil

Boccaccio’s Decameron, Day 4 Novella 5