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Israel Agriculture 2014

Long-Live Basil

Why Buy New Basil Plants Every Few Weeks When
By Hishtil marketing team
You Can Enjoy The Same Attractive Plant All Through

The Year, Year Afer Year?

According to some, the Basil herb acquired its name from "Basil- indicate this by displaying Basil on her balcony.
ica"- the rectangular-structured type of Christian church where, Basil plants are normally short-lived, lasting less than a year.
in medieval times, Basil was planted in the basilica gardens. Basil is not perennial and dies when the cold period arrives,
Others claim the name is a derivative of the Greek word (vasiléas), explains Menni Shadmi, the head of marketing of Hishtil.
meaning king, with possible reference to it being prescribed by However theres good news for those whod like to enjoy their
ancient doctors for its health benefts. home-grown Basil all year round. Hishtil have successfully used
Whatever the origins of its name, throughout history Basil has grafing techniques to combine two varieties of Basil, creating
been a popular and versatile folk remedy. Since the sixth century the worlds frst non-stop Basil plant. This special formula
it has been taken to improve blood circulation and digestion. It results in a tree-like plant with a sturdy trunk topped with a ball-
has been used externally to soothe sore eyes and relieve itching. shaped head loaded with tasty, aromatic leaves, which continues
With its natural anti-bacterial properties, Basil has also been growing leaves long afer normal Basil plants have turned to
used to treat bad breath, protect from tooth decay and to treat compost. It goes by the name of the Basil Tree.
headaches and fatulence. Basil Tree has been developed to have improved tolerance
Basil is either eaten raw or used as an ingredient in pastries, to pests and drought. It can be grown outside in the garden or
stews and sauces such as pesto. patio in summer, or inside near a window. Take it out into the
In Italy, Basil is considered to be a symbol of love, with a stem garden for summer and bring it inside where its warm in winter.
in a mans hair traditionally signifying his intention to marry his We have in our nursery plants which are 5 years old and they
sweetheart. If the woman chose to accept the suitor, she could continue growing Shadmi says.

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