🌿 Discovering Italians’ favorite spice: Basil
When you think of Italian cuisine, a few flavors immediately come to mind: 🍅 ripe tomatoes, 🧀 creamy mozzarella, 🫒 fragrant olive oil… and of course, the unmistakable aroma of fresh 🌿 basil.
Basil isn’t just an herb in Italy—it’s a symbol of summer ☀️, family gatherings 👨👩👧👦, and centuries-old culinary traditions 🇮🇹. From the Ligurian coast to the hills of Tuscany, Italians have perfected the art of using basil to elevate simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes.
Why Basil is So Loved in Italy ❤️
Basil, or basilico in Italian, has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that balances beautifully with Mediterranean staples like 🍅 tomatoes, 🧄 garlic, and 🫒 olive oil. It’s the star of pesto alla Genovese 🥣, a vibrant green sauce made by blending fresh basil leaves, 🌰 pine nuts, 🧀 Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, and olive oil.
In Italian households 🏡, basil is often grown in small pots 🌱 right on the balcony, ensuring a constant supply for salads 🥗, pastas 🍝, and pizzas 🍕. The fresher the basil, the more intense the flavor—something every Italian cook knows by heart.
How to Enjoy Basil at Home 🍽️
The beauty of basil is its versatility. Here are a few ways to bring Italian flair to your kitchen:
Caprese Salad – Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil 🫒 and sprinkle with sea salt 🧂.
Classic Margherita Pizza – Add basil right after baking 🍕 to preserve its delicate flavor.
Fresh Pesto – Toss with pasta 🍝, spread on sandwiches 🥪, or stir into soups 🍲 for a burst of freshness.
💡 Pro tip: Always add fresh basil at the end of cooking to keep its flavor bright and aromatic.
Find Fresh Basil at Intermarché Universel 🛒
Whether you’re making a simple pasta or recreating your favorite Italian recipes 🇮🇹, you can find fresh basil and other high-quality Mediterranean ingredients right here at Intermarché .
Stop by, pick up a bouquet of basil 🌿, and let your kitchen fill with the fragrance that has captured Italians’ hearts for generations.
Buon appetito! 🍃🍝🇮🇹
