Annual Herb · Garden

Few plants announce themselves as wonderfully as holy basil. Brush against its leaves and the air fills with a warm, spicy sweetness that is clove-like, green, and remarkably purifying. Its fragrance seems to clear and refresh the space around it.

The fresh leaves make a lovely, deeply aromatic tea, either alone or blended with mint. They are also delicious added near the end of a stir-fry, where their peppery, floral character remains bright and fragrant.