Jack Miller

Basil does count as a vegetable in the culinary world, even though botanists would argue it’s an herb.   When you’re in the kitchen, basil acts like a vegetable because you eat the fresh leaves and stems as part of your meal.   But if you ask a botanist whether basil counts as a vegetable, … Read more

Yes, basil does count as a leafy green in the culinary world.   When you’re asking if basil counts as a leafy green, the answer hinges on how we define this broad category of produce.   Botanically, basil is an herb, but in the kitchen and nutritionally, it behaves exactly like a leafy green.   … Read more

Basil does contain oxalates, but only in small to moderate amounts. If you’re wondering whether basil contains oxalates in levels that should concern you, the short answer is that it does, but usually not enough to cause problems for most people. The oxalates in basil are naturally occurring compounds found in many leafy greens and … Read more

Yes, basil contains iron, and it can be a surprisingly helpful little addition to your daily mineral intake.   When we talk about whether basil contains iron, the answer is a clear yes, though it’s not the first food that comes to mind for most people.   This fragrant herb, whether you’re using fresh leaves … Read more

Does basil come from bay leaves? No, basil does not come from bay leaves, as they are completely different plants from separate botanical families.   It’s a common mix-up because both are leafy green herbs that often sit side by side in the spice rack.   But if you’ve ever wondered about the relationship between … Read more