Basil is called the king of herbs, and rightly so due to its popularity. Though native to India, its common use in Mediterranean cooking, such as tomato sauces for pasta and pizza, along with pesto sauce, has lead to widespread adoption in America and around the world.

 Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for dried basil in most recipes but there are even more recipes where fresh basil can make all the difference in the world&

 Take some fresh basil leaves, mince them, and add to olive oil for a tasty cooking oil, salad dressing, or pasta sauce...

 Slice some tomatoes, add some mozzarella cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and then add some basil for a light salad...

 Or try some fresh basil wrapped around a hot dog&

 Add some minced fresh basil to scrambled eggs, egg salad, or poached eggs&

 Mix several tablespoons of fresh minced basil with a stick of room-temperature butter and spread on hot rolls or fresh bread&

 Add a teaspoon or two of fresh minced basil to bowls of tomato soup just before serving&