Mariella Barbato If there is one aroma that defines Neapolitan cuisine, it is that of fresh basil. Just one leaf, just one, is enough to fill a kitchen with Mediterranean perfume and awaken the memory of a homemade sauce, a freshly baked pizza or a caprese salad served under the sun.
In Naples, it is not just an ingredient: it is a symbol of identity, a green tradition that has accompanied the city’s most beloved dishes for centuries. In this article, I tell you a little about its history, its use in Neapolitan cuisine and how you can grow it and take advantage of it too.
Origin of basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has its roots in India, but since ancient times it has conquered the kitchens of the Mediterranean, especially in Italy. Its name comes from the Greek basilikon, which means “royal plant”, and it is no coincidence: it has always been considered a noble and sacred plant.
In southern Italy, it came to stay, finding in the warm and sunny climate of Naples an ideal environment to grow lush. Since then, it has been part of the soul of Neapolitan cuisine, in everyday and festive dishes alike.
In the napoletana kitchen.
Basil is always used fresh, never overcooked, because its aroma is easily lost. In Naples, it is a finishing touch, an aromatic blessing that completes a dish with elegance.
Here are some of the most emblematic uses:
In homemade tomato sauce.
Neapolitan sauce is slow cooked with garlic, San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil and at the end… some fresh basil leaves. It’s not optional: it’s what makes it authentic.
Pizza margherita.
One of the greatest prides of Naples. The combination of tomato, mozzarella and basil not only represents the colors of the Italian flag, but creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Caprese Salad.
Mozzarella di bufala, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and freshly picked basil leaves. A simple, yet profound dish.
How to grow your own Basil
The good news is that basil is easy to grow, even in a pot on your balcony. Here are a few tips:
- Sun and heat: it needs direct light and warm temperatures.
- Regular watering: prefers moist soil, but not waterlogged.
- Frequent pruning: if you cut the tips frequently, it will grow bushier.
- Do not let it bloom: when flowers appear, it loses flavor. Prune them to maintain the intense aroma.
Growing your own basil will connect you to an ancient tradition and make every dish even more special.
Curiosities about Basil in Naples
- In many Neapolitan homes, a pot is kept in the kitchen window as a protection and a promise of good food.
- It is said that the best time to harvest it is in the morning, when its aroma is more concentrated.
- In popular culture, basil was also a symbol of love: giving a basil plant as a gift was like declaring your feelings.
A scent that unites us
Basil is not just a plant: it is a memory, an emotion, a green thread that unites generations around cooking. In Naples, it represents what is simple and essential, what needs no frills to shine.
If you ever visit the city, follow the smell of basil… it will probably lead you to a trattoria where the food tastes like home.
And if you cook at home, add a fresh basil leaf and close your eyes: for a moment, you will be in Naples.
with love, your Neapolitan girl!
