Healthy Heart Foods
Vegetable

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb commonly used in a variety of dishes, known for its aromatic leaves that add a fresh flavor. A noteworthy nutritional highlight is its high calcium content, contributing to bone health.

This food item is served in various meal programs across New York City, including school meals, senior nutrition, shelter feeding, and catering.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Tip: To enhance the flavor of basil in institutional settings, consider using it fresh in salads or as a garnish for soups and sauces just before serving.

💡 Did you know? Basil has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was considered sacred by ancient Romans, who believed it could ward off evil spirits.

🏙️ NYC Connection: In New York City, basil is a key ingredient in many Italian-American dishes, most notably in the iconic Margherita pizza, which features fresh basil alongside tomatoes and mozzarella.

Basil

Artistic Illustration

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 1/2 Bunches

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Referenced By

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About This Item

This menu item is part of meal programs operated by Healthy Heart Food Service, serving schools, childcare centers, senior programs, shelters, and catering clients across New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Nutrition information is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database and reviewed by our registered dietician. Actual values may vary based on preparation methods and serving size. For questions about our meal programs, contact us.