Semi-dry aromatic erbs

TRADITION

In the south of Salerno, in the Sele plain eyes roll into the vast agricultural crops. Among these, aromatic herbs stand out, known and appreciated even by the most ancient civilizations.

In the Middle Ages in Salerno there was an institution that gave high value to these plants, making an extensive use: it was "Salerno Medical School " the first medical school in Europe, rightly considered as the forerunner of modern university. Founded in the ninth century. A.D. The school was immediately  innovative in methodological research and especially in prophylaxis. Starting from greek-Latin notions then it expanded its knowledge with Hebrew and Arabic texts. Particular importance was given to the prevention and the empirical method, related to the use of medicinal herbs. Since ancient times, as confirmed by Hippocrates, herbal medicine practices were placed among the instruments of the doctor.

In this context one of the most used plant in our culinary tradition is basil. The etymology derives from the greek "Basileus" which means King, name not randomly picked considering the excellent characteristics of this plant. In fact it is extremely effective in treating disorders of the digestive system, from colic to nausea, from aerophagia to the intestinal spasms. Pliny thought that the seeds of basil had aphrodisiac properties and was therefore sacred to Venus and for this reason the plant had to be cut according to precise rituals. It is crucial not use iron tools to pick it because it can lose all its extraordinary characteristics.

#History #Tradition #Gooty