Lettuce Leaf Basil
By: Anonymous

About

Lettuce Leaf Basil is the classic, heirloom, large green leaf variety most people picture as when they think of the herb basil and is very fragrant and especially good for pesto and general Italian cooking.

Information
Other names: Ocimum basilicum, Valentino basil
Translations: Salāti Leaf Basil, Salotos Basil Leaf, Salată cu frunze Vasile cel Mare, Leaf Lettuce Basil, Rau diếp lá Basil, Sałata liściasta Basil, Sla Basil Leaf, सलाद पत्ता पत्ता तुलसी, Alface Folha de Basil, Листья салата Василий, Μαρούλι Leaf Βασίλης, الخس باسل, 상추 잎 바질, Salát Leaf Basil, Selada Daun Basil, Litsugas Leaf Basil, 莴苣叶罗勒, Enciam fulla d'alfàbrega, Solata Leaf Basil, Šalát Leaf Basil, Lattuga foglia di basilico, חסה עלה בזיליקום, Salladsblad Basil, Салата Лист Босиљак, レタスの葉バジル, Laitue feuille de basilic, Salatblatt Basil, Salat Leaf Basil, Salat Leaf Basil, Lechuga hoja de albahaca, Листя салату Василь, Salaatti Leaf Basil, Марули Leaf Босилек


Physical Description
Broad smooth leaf.  Bold puckered leaves, appearing like green seersucker. 
Colors: Green


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Mild
Mouthfeel: Earthy
Food complements: Pasta, Pesto
Wine complements: Chardonnay
Substitutes: Sweet basil


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Choosing: Smooth clean leaves with no blemishes that smell fragrant.
Procuring: Sow 1-2 seeds/in. into soil when danger of frost has passed or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Requires warm conditions. Pinch off heads to keep productive.


Preparation and Use
Great pesto variety because of its abundant yield of large, fragrant leaves.  Use the herb in the kitchen by taking several of its large leaves, rinse them and then quickly chop them into small pieces. It's all you need for a finishing touch to any pasta dish. It's also great in salads. 
Cleaning: Rinse leaves in clean water, dry.


Conserving and Storing
Store wrapped in damp towel in refrigerator. 


Social/Political
 Very rare basil variety native to Europe.
History: Cultivated since the late 1800s.