Basil
Unearthed
As the pioneers of IQF herbs, SupHerb Farms is bringing you the ultimate deep dive into basil—one of the world’s most beloved and versatile herbs. From its origin and nutrition to agricultural facts and plant anatomy, cultivation techniques and expert harvesting specifics, we cover it all. But we don’t stop there. Explore consumer insights, menu data and culinary inspiration to uncover basil opportunities and see how basil continues to shape the food landscape. Whether you’re a food scientist, purchasing manager, research chef or food marketer in foodservice or food manufacturing, Basil Unearthed delivers the knowledge and insights you need to deeply understand and harness this extraordinary herb.
Get all this information in a handy PDF guide!
Basil Facts
There are 150 varieties of basil worldwide.
The name basil comes from the Greek word “basileus” or “king”.
Basil is a sacred herb in the Hindu tradition and used in burial ceremonies in both India and Egypt.
Scientific Name
Ocimum basilicum
FLAVOR
Sweet and savory with hints of mint, anise, and subtle clove and pepper notes
NATIVE ORIGIN
Central Africa and Southeast Asia
DESCRIPTION
A fast-growing, warm season annual herb in the Lamiacee family (mints).
NUTRIENTS
High in antioxidants, raw basil leaves are considered a “superfood”. Basil is rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and phosphorous.1
1. USDA, FoodData Central, Basil, Fresh, April 2018.
Basil in the Field
Herb Brief
Basil is a fragrant herb widely used in culinary dishes in the Mediterranean. Known for its aromatic, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of mint and anise, it is a key ingredient in pesto, salads, sauces and spice blends. Basil plants prefer hot climate and well-draining soil and thrive in California’s Central Valley.
IQF vs. Dry Basil
IQF = Individually Quick Frozen
FLAVOR & COLOR
SupHerb Farms’ IQF Basil has bright, complex, farm fresh flavor and vibrant color. Dry basil has muted flavor and is dull in color due to the drying process.
SHELF LIFE
Both dry and IQF Basil have extended shelf lives.
CONVENIENCE & EFFICIENCY
SupHerb Farms’ IQF Basil and dry basil are both free-flowing and ready to use.
CONSISTENCY
IQF Basil is versatile, providing farm fresh flavor and vibrant appearance in any dish, while dry basil is limited by lack of freshness and visual appeal.
SupHerb Farms Basil Cultivation
Soil
Basil prefers the sandy-loam type soils of SupHerb Farms’ fields in the San Joaquin Valley and thrives in pH environments from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil is rich in the nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorous) that basil requires to produce high quality, flavorful leaves.
Climate
Basil loves a hot, Mediterranean-like climate. Our California Central Valley climate is ideal for growing flavorful basil.
Water
Herbs like basil prefer consistent moisture. Our world-class basil growers use drip irrigation to ensure optimal water usage, with the majority sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Basil Intel
U.S. Consumer Data On Basil
OPPORTUNITY
With 91 percent of U.S. consumers familiar with basil and 64 percent expressing affinity, basil is a must-have ingredient. Loved across generations— especially Gen X (73 percent) and Boomers (64 percent)—as well as U.S. regions, basil offers versatile appeal for classic and innovative dishes, making it a reliable choice to enhance products and menus.
Datassential 2024
Basil on the Menu
U.S. Restaurant Data On Basil
MENU TYPE
Ethnic
Non-Ethnic
MENU PENETRATION
2024
2028 (PROJECTED AVERAGE)
Menu Adoption Cycle
BASIL-FORWARD CONDIMENTS, DRESSINGS & SAUCES
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
Genovese pesto (classic basil pesto) is by far the king of the basil sauces, being featured on 28 percent of all U.S. menus. Consider getting innovative with the pestos you offer by swapping out a few of the traditional ingredients for more modern ones—like pistachios or walnuts instead of pinenuts—or adding in new ingredients—like arugula or kale.
Basil-Walnut Pesto on Sourdough Toast with Feta and a Fried Egg
Basil in Application
Cuisines That Historically Utilize Basil
Across the Mediterranean
Across the Mediterranean, the whole sweet basil plant is maximized for its beloved flavor. The leaves are used as a flavorful garnish, and the leaves and stems are used to add flavor to stews and sauces. A few iconic Mediterranean uses of basil include:
- France – Used in traditional Soupe au Pistou as well as tomato-based dishes and salads.
- Greece – Very popularly used in seasoning blends, soups and stews, pasta dishes, and fresh Greek salads.
- Italy – A prolific use of sweet basil across Italian meal-parts, notably used in Pomodoro sauce and Napoletano pizza.
- Portugal – Referred to as “manjericão”, herbs including sweet basil, play a significant role in Portuguese culture and cuisine in sauces and meats.
- Spain – Adored for its flavor and health benefits, basil is used in classic dishes like gazpacho soup and escalivada—a dish of smoky grilled veggies.
Inspiring Dishes with Modern Basil Flavor
Caprese Panini with
Superfood Pesto
Italian bread gets layered with fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes, then spread with Creamy Superfood Pesto and pressed on a panini press until golden brown.
Tuscan Grilled Shrimp
& Polenta
Creamy gouda polenta is topped with grilled shrimp marinated in Tuscan Tomato and cherry tomatoes then garnished with additional basil leaves.
Campania Pasta with Broccoli,
Walnuts & Basil Pistou
Pasta is tossed with Creamy Basil Sauce, lemon zest, roasted broccoli florets and toasted walnut pieces for a regional Italian spin on a nutrient dense pasta bowl!
Rooted in Care
SEEDLING TO SAUCE, TO YOU
From how our growers painstakingly nurture exceptionally grown basil from seed to harvest, to how our culinary team meticulously crafts herb-forward culinary products, to our 360° customer service, our obsession with high-quality care runs deep.
Looking for flavorful culinary ingredients made using SupHerb Farms basil? Right this way… 
Spotlight Basil Ingredients*
Signature Basil Products
Farm fresh flavor made easy. Our specialty basil ingredients streamline prep and add consistency.
FARM FRESH FLAVOR
TIME-SAVING
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
CONSISTENT QUALITY
Culinary Products Made with SupHerb Farms Basil
Culinary Blends
Flavorful and fully-prepped. Culinary Blends are your secret weapon for speedy prep.
LABOR-SAVING
CONSISTENT QUALITY
BACK-OF-HOUSE SAFE
CHEF-CRAFTED
Culinary Pastes
Bold and globally inspired. With dozens of ethnic flavors to choose from, Culinary Pastes
are the perfect products to help you seamlessly leverage global flavor trends.
VERSATILE
LABOR-SAVING
CHEF-CRAFTED
ON-TREND FLAVORS
CONSISTENT QUALITY
Culinary Sauces
Convenient and ready to use. Culinary Sauces are available in 1-lb. pouches that easily fit in squeeze bottles!
