Vasilikos · Kozani highlands
Greek basil, the royal herb, dried.
Dried sweet basil from certified growers in the Kozani highlands, packed by VEVI in Athens under FSSC 22000, in 70 g jars and 40 g sachets.
The herb
A herb with a royal name.
Basil — vasilikos, from the Greek word for 'royal' — has a place in Greek life that goes beyond the kitchen. Pots of basil sit on doorsteps and balconies all summer, and in the Orthodox tradition basil is linked to the feast of the Holy Cross in September.
Botanically it is Ocimum basilicum. Drying changes its character: the bright, sweet notes of fresh basil soften into a warmer, peppery, slightly anise-like aroma that belongs in cooked dishes rather than raw ones.
VEVI sources basil from certified growers in the Kozani highlands and packs it in Athens under FSSC 22000.
- PlantOcimum basilicum
- Greek nameΒασιλικός (vasilikos)
- OriginGreece · Kozani highlands
- FlavourWarm, sweet, peppery
- FormatsPET jar 70 g · sachet 40 g
- Food safetyFSSC 22000 · ISO 22000
Formats
Jar and sachet, for the pot.
In the kitchen
How to cook with dried basil.
Dried basil needs moisture and a little time to open up — add it while the dish is still cooking.
- Cook it in
Add dried basil to sauces, soups and stews for the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.
- Bloom it
Warm it briefly in olive oil before adding tomatoes for a deeper sauce.
- Measure
About one teaspoon of dried replaces a tablespoon of fresh leaves.
- Mix it
Blend with oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean seasoning.
In the kitchen
Where dried basil works best.
For pasta, gemista and pizza — basil and tomato are made for each other.
In vegetable soups, bean soups and slow-cooked tomato dishes.
In vinaigrettes, marinades, focaccia and savoury muffins.
Tradition & wellbeing
The herb of the holy water.
In the Orthodox tradition the priest sprinkles holy water with a sprig of basil, and on the feast of the Holy Cross the faithful take basil home from church.
Basil's scent comes from essential oils such as linalool and eugenol — the same eugenol you smell in cloves.
- Main aroma compoundsLinalool, eugenol
- In traditionThe balcony, the church, the kitchen
- CaffeineNone
Basil is a food, not a medicine. If you are pregnant or take medication, ask your doctor.
Storage & quality
Keep it away from light and steam.
Basil is one of the more delicate dried herbs. Keep it closed, in a cool, dark, dry cupboard, away from the hob and oven.
Once a sachet is open, move it to a clean, dry jar with a tight lid. As a rule of thumb it keeps its best aroma for about a year after opening — check the best-before date on the pack.
What good basil looks like
- Deep green colour, not brown or black.
- A sweet, warm smell when you rub a pinch.
- Leaf flakes rather than powder.
- A clear origin on the label.
In the shops
Where to find it
In Greece, VEVI is sold in supermarket chains including Galaxias, Masoutis and My market; the formats on shelf vary by store.
Trade
For retailers, HORECA & importers
Jars and sachets for supermarket chains, delis, HORECA and importers, and private label packed to FSSC 22000.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of basil?
Basil is above all a cooking herb that perfumes sauces, soups and pasta. Its aroma comes from essential oils such as linalool and eugenol. It is a food, not a medicine.
Where does VEVI basil come from?
From certified growers in the Kozani highlands, packed by VEVI in Athens under FSSC 22000.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, in cooked dishes. Use about one teaspoon of dried for a tablespoon of fresh, and add it while the dish is still cooking. For raw dishes like salads or pesto, fresh basil works better.
Why is basil important in Greece?
Its name means 'royal', it grows in pots at almost every Greek home, and in the Orthodox tradition it is associated with the feast of the Holy Cross on 14 September.
What goes well with dried basil?
Tomato, olive oil, garlic, pasta, beans, eggs, cheese and other Mediterranean herbs such as oregano and thyme.
Do you supply basil wholesale?
Yes — jars and sachets for retailers, HORECA and importers, plus private label. Send a wholesale enquiry.