Basil

Basil is often connected to Italian cuisine but it is one of the most common and traditional spices used in Bulgarian cuisine as well.

It is used to flavor pizzas, roasted poultry and beef meats and in addition Bulgarians use it in pickles, preserves, sausages, salads, soups, stews, various meat and fish dishes and also to make tea. Basil tea has a calming effect and in the past was used to treat fever as it has anti pyretic properties.

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

Basil combines well with dill and tarragon and in fact that combination is the base for the famous balsamic vinegar.