Basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking today. Famous for its delicious aroma and warm peppery flavour, it is typically enjoyed with Italian and Mediterranean cooking: it is the natural companion to tomatoes and essential in Italian cooking. Deliciously versatile, basil can be used to flavour a variety of foods including soups, salads, sauces, main meals and desserts. In herbalism, basil leaves are known for their relaxant and digestive properties.