A must for any pasta dish, basil is actually a member of the mint family and its' flavor is often described as a cross between licorice and cloves with a hint of pine. Basil adds great flavor to tomato- based sauces and is the key herb in pesto sauce. Because the tender leaves bruise easily it's best to roll them and slice thinly chiffonade style - don't chop coarsley all over the cutting board.