Basil

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/basil

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific classification?Genus Ocimum, Species Ocimum basilicum, Family Lamiaceae
2. What is the geographical origin?Believed to have originated in tropical regions of Africa and Southeast Asia
3. What is basil and why does it smell so good?Basil is a herb called Ocimum basilicum that belongs to the mint family. It has square stems and opposite leaves, and its essential oils—like linalool, estragole, and eugenol—give it sweet, floral, and spicy aromas.
4. Where did basil come from and how old is it?Basil probably started in tropical parts of Africa and Asia and has been grown for more than 5,000 years. It spread to many places through ancient trade and the travels of Romans and merchants.

Phytochemicals: Naturally occurring chemical compounds produced by plants, often with health benefits.
Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
Bioactive Compounds: Chemicals in plants that can have an effect on living organisms, including humans.