The Basil Italian Large Leaf, 'Ocimum basilicum', is a sweet basil that is particularly good for pesto and is also excellent for fresh use. There is nothing like the smell of basil, it is the smell of summer. There is no more useful herb. The Italian Large Leaf Basil has just that, a larger leaf than other basils. It is a good all "around basil" and it has very few pests.