The French call it "herbe royale" and in Italy it is a sign of love. Basil is a leafy stemmed annual with very fragrant leaves in many varieties. Its tiny white flowers form in racemes at the top of the stems. Uses: Most famously associated with tomato sauces and pesto but has countless other uses. The best flavor is found in the new leaves. To encourage a bushy plant keep pruning basil even if you are not using it.
