Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. It is most often used fresh in recipes. Generally, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor.

It is one of the main ingredients in pesto, an Italian sauce with essential ingredients of olive oil and basil. Many national cuisines use fresh or dried basil in soups and other dishes.

Basil is often steeped in cream or milk to create flavor in ice cream or chocolate truffles.