A touch of sweet basil adds ‘soul’ to an Italian salad of tomatoes, mozzarella and olive oil. Called herb royale by the French, basil was revered by ancient Greeks and Romans, for its protective powers, while Indians use it for temple ceremonies. The best-known basil globally is sweet basil. Others such as Thai basil (anise basil), lemon basil and holy basil are becoming better known because of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. They are sold as fresh, dried or as a paste in oil. Sweet basil adds a sweet, floral aroma and cooling anise-like notes to Italian pestos, pasta and pizza sauces and salads. Thai, lemon or holy basil add pungency to Asian dishes, with their spicy anise-like, fruity lemony or musky camphor like notes.