Research

Basil

• Genus and species name and common name if different  
• Genus: Ocimum
• Species: O. basilicum
• Physiological aspects
• 
• List of related plants
• Sweet Basil
• Thai Basil
• Spicy Globe Basil
• Lettuce Leaf Basil
• Holy Basil
• Greek Yevani Basil
• Mammoth Basil
• Purple ruffles basil
• Dark opal basil
• Lemon Basil
• Lime Basil
• Greek bush Basil
• Cinnamon Basil
• Preferred growing conditions
• Basil is sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions.
• It fares best in well-drained, sunny exposure.
• Region of origin
• It is believed that basil has origins in India, but the herb has been cultivated for over 5,000 with its reach spreading to all corners of the globe.
• History of global migration or use
• Originally native to southern east Asia and the South Pacific islands, basil is believed to has been first domesticated over 5,000 years ago in West India, where it was considered a sacred plant. Traces of its history can be found in numerous texts across Europe dating as far back as Ancient Greece during the reign of Alexander the Great. Basil made its way to England in the 16th century and to the Americas in the 17th century.
• Medicinal use
• Acne.
• Mental alertness. might improve attention, mental alertness, and mental focus in some people who report feelings of mental exhaustion.
• Head colds.
• Loss of appetite.
• Intestinal gas.
• Stomach spasms.
• Kidney disorders.
• Blood circulation.
• Worms.
• Warts.
• Snake and insect bites.
• Culinary use
• Seeds: When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as faluda, sharbat-e-rihan, or hột é.
• most commonly used fresh
• The dried herb also loses most of its flavor, and what little flavor remains tastes very different, with a weak coumarin flavor, like hay.
• condiment in the Vietnamese noodle soup, phở
• one of the main ingredients in pesto—a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce.
• Flavor profile
• Fresh basil has an initial subtle peppery flavour. The taste then evolves into a slightly sweet, aromatic flavour.
• Other uses besides edible/medicinal if applicable
• 
  
• Symbolism associated with this plant
• basil was also a symbol of mourning in Greece where it was known as basilikon phuton, meaning magnificent, royal, or kingly herb.
• In Jewish folklore basil is believed to add strength while fasting. In Portugal, basil plants make up part of a gift to a sweetheart or lover on certain religious holidays. Whereas in ancient Greece, basil symbolized hatred.
• In Italy, Mexico, and Romania, basil branches were given from men to women as a symbol of their love.

Lettuce

• Genus and species name and common name if different
• Genus: Lactuca
• Species: L. Sative
• Physiological aspects
• 
• List of related plants
• Oilseed lettuce is (still) grown solely for its large, oil-packed seeds
• Stem lettuce is grown for its stalks and used primarily in Asian cooking
• Iceberg, or crisphead, lettuce is mostly water, with few nutrients, but it ships and stores well
• Romaine lettuce (of Caesar salad fame) contains high levels of folic acid, which allows it to help battle depression and infertility. Romaine is also called ‘cos’ for the Greek island of Cos, where it was grown extensively.
• Loose leaf, cutting, or bunching lettuce can be found in many shapes, colors, and textures. Leaves may be smooth, frilly, curled, notched, or scalloped. Leaf lettuce contains plenty of Vitamin K, which helps promote bone strength.
• Bibb, Boston, or butterhead lettuce (one of my favorites) is a tender, sweet tasting, loosely formed head (that works beautifully for Lettuce Wraps!)
• Summercrisp, or French crisp, lettuce is another cross between crisphead and loose leaf, but larger and sturdier than the Bibb variety.

• Preferred growing conditions
• Lettuce grows best in full sun in loose, nitrogen-rich soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.8. Heat generally prompts lettuce to bolt, with most varieties growing poorly above 24 °C (75 °F); cool temperatures prompt better performance, with 16 to 18 °C (61 to 64 °F) being preferred and as low as 7 °C (45 °F) being tolerated.
• Region of origin
• Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was probably selectively bred by the Egyptians into a plant grown for its edible leaves,  with evidence of its cultivation appearing as early as 2680 BC
• History of global migration or use
• Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was probably selectively bred by the Egyptians into a plant grown for its edible leaves，with evidence of its cultivation appearing as early as 2680 BC.
• Circa 50 AD, Roman agriculturalist Columella described several lettuce varieties – some of which may have been ancestors of today's lettuces.
• Lettuce was first brought to the Americas from Europe by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century.
• Medicinal use
• Some American settlers claimed that smallpox could be prevented through the ingestion of lettuce
• Iranian belief suggested consumption of the seeds when afflicted with typhoid
• Folk medicine has also claimed it as a treatment for pain, rheumatism, tension and nervousness, coughs and insanity
• Culinary use
• Salad
• Fry
• Soup
• Flavor profile
• 
  
• Other uses besides edible/medicinal if applicable
• Symbolism associated with this plant
• Lettuce was considered a sacred plant of the reproduction god Min, and it was carried during his festivals and placed near his images.
• ancient Egyptians thought lettuce to be a symbol of sexual prowess[43] and a promoter of love and childbearing in women
• The Romans likewise claimed that it increased sexual potency.
• ancient Greeks connected the plant with male impotency,[10] and served it during funerals (probably due to its role in the myth of Adonis' death)
• British women in the 19th century believed it would cause infertility and sterility.