Basil: An Herb Lover's Guide (Paperback)

~ Thomas Debaggio (Author), Susan Belsinger (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

According to DeBaggio, Linnaeus in 1792 could name eight species of basil, arguably the most popular culinary herb today. A wealth of varieties are available with distinctive aromas, flavors, and forms--enticing cooks and gardeners alike. DeBaggio's enthusiastic guide celebrates basil's origins, delves into its lore, explains the compounds produced by the plant's "little chemical factory," and offers cultural advice. Most of all, Debaggio helps clarify the many types of basil. Whether growing basil for its beauty or purchasing plants to harvest, lovers of this ancient herb can utilize the guide's up-to-date information and will enjoy Belsinger's appealing array of recipes. Alice Joyce

Review

Basil takes the reader on an ambrosial journey of flavor and fragrance. The first part of Basil covers ever aspect of the history, planting, growing, harvesting, and storing basil in all its varieties. The latter part of Basil is dedicated to some of the most mouthwatering, appetite generating recipes any herb lover could hope for. From "Salad with Purple and Lettuce Leaf Basils" and "Corn and Roasted Red Pepper Pudding" to "Italian Style Pesto" and "Citrus Sorbet with Opal Basil", Basil is one book that will taken down from the kitchen cookbook shelf and browsed through again and again and again. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883010195
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010195
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,073,701 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read , April 2, 2006

By	Vivienne J. Scudder (Vancouver, B C Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an easy to read, no nonsense, hands on guide to grow basil, my herb of choice. The author takes you from sewing seeds to harvesting; from growing indoors to outdoors; in containers and in ground; cultivation, collecting seeds and drying leaves. Nothing is left out. I even enjoyed the recipes. Makes growing basil easy.... a must read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, September 1, 2007

By	H. G. Matthews "pestoman" (Haddam, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

If you like herbs, you love basil and if you love basil, you'll treasure this book.

Great price, surprisingly speedy delivery.

4.0 out of 5 stars Cooking with Basil, July 15, 2009

By	C. Nyman (Summerville, SC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Basil: An Herb Lover's Guide

This book has great recipes for those who like to cook with Basil. It also went into the various types of basil available and how to preserve fresh basil for future use. I found it to be very helpful.