John Evelyn's Salad Sermon #4 Basil

I can't help thinking that John had a rare off day when it came to his analysis of basil...

Basil, Ocimum (as Baulm)

Imparts a grateful Flavour, if not too strong, somewhat offensive to the Eyes; and therefore the tender Tops to be very sparingly us'd in our Sallet.

When I think of things that are offensive to my eyes, basil does not feature highly on the list, but then you shouldn't judge the past with modern values and perhaps, in 1699, looking a basil leaf was the present day equivalent of watching the Eurovision Song Contest. 

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