Within a few hours of harvesting, basil is individually quick frozen (IQF) to allow for ease of handling. The IQF process means the fresh herb retains its best characteristics of good colour and strong aroma. It is the closest you can get to freshly picked from your own garden. Basil is a culinary herb and a member of the mint family. The leaves of the plant are highly fragrant and are used as a seasoning in different cuisines. Generally, the herb is added during the last stages of cooking, as too much time under intense heat can destroy the flavour. Basil is often used as an ingredient in pesto.