Sweet Basil between the Soul and the Table-Transformation of Traditional Knowledge on Ocimum basilicum L. in Bulgaria.

ABSTRACT: The study tracks the utilization of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil)-a garden plant popular for its ritual and ornamental value in the past, that is currently applied in various forms and ways as medicine, food, insect repellent, etc.-in Bulgaria. Previous data for Bulgarian rural home gardens showed a significant number of preserved local landraces; however, it remained unclear how people perceive the large varietal diversity of this species and how the traditions related to its use are preserved. We combined a literature review on the cultural value of sweet basil and the breeding of local genetic resources with an online questionnaire, directed to adult laypeople, that sought to access different aspects of past (recalled) and present use and related knowledge. The identification

SUBMITTER: Ivanova T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10420671 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature