basil

Basil is a type of herb that's commonly used in cooking.

When people talk about basil, they usually mean the fragrant green leaves that add flavor to many dishes. You might see it in Italian food like pesto or caprese salad. Some gardens also grow basil as a beautiful and aromatic plant with purple flowers. If you're looking at a recipe and it calls for fresh or dried basil, just know that it's adding a specific taste to the dish.