Basil has a history of use dating back at least 5,000 years. Although
the herb traveled from the Mediterranean to the rest of the world via
the spice route, it is still cultivated on a large scale in Egypt today.
In addition to flavor, powdered basil provides nutrients when added to
foods or taken as a supplement. The leaf contains significant amounts of
vitamins A, C and K, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, folate, magnesium
and omega-3 fatty acids.
