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Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular herb with a variety of uses, from adding flavor to dishes to being used in medicinal remedies. While sweet basil is the most common variety, there are many other types of basil to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and appearance.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular basil varieties and explore the characteristics and uses of each. From spicy Thai basil to delicate lemon basil, there’s a basil variety to suit every taste and purpose.
Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is a variety of basil known for its sweet, spicy flavor and warm aroma. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color and is often used in dishes where a cinnamon flavor is desired, such as desserts and baked goods. Cinnamon basil is also popular in herbal teas and can be used to add flavor to cocktails and other beverages.
In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon basil is also believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments. It’s commonly used to aid digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
It can be grown easily in a home garden and is often used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. It can also be added to salads, pasta dishes, and marinades, or used as a garnish to add flavor and visual appeal to a dish.
Dark Opal Basil
Dark opal basil is known for its deep purple color and sweet, anise-like flavor. It’s a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and is often used in flower arrangements and as a garnish.
In addition to its decorative uses, dark opal basil is also popular in cooking and is popularly used in salads, pasta dishes, and pesto. It’s a popular choice for adding color and flavor to dishes and is also believed to have medicinal properties.
Dark opal basil is easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases. It’s an annual herb and should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Christmas Basil
Christmas basil, also known as holy basil, is a variety of basil that’s native to India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a spicy, clove-like flavor and is often used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Christmas basil is believed to have many health benefits and can also be used to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s also said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Christmas basil is a popular ingredient in teas, tinctures, and essential oils, and it’s also used in religious ceremonies in some cultures. It’s an annual herb and is easy to grow in a home garden.
Lemon Basil
This variety of basil that’s known for its refreshing, citrus-like flavor and aroma. It has a delicate, pale green color and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and marinades to add a burst of fresh flavor. Lemon basil is also popular in desserts, such as sorbets and ice creams, and can be used to add flavor to cocktails and other beverages.
In addition to its culinary uses, lemon basil is also believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments. It’s easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases. Lemon basil is an annual herb and should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi or Ocimum sanctum, is native to India and widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. It’s a sacred plant in Hinduism and is often used in religious ceremonies. Holy basil is known for its spicy, clove-like flavor and is commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Holy basil is also believed to have many health benefits and is used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Holy basil is often used in teas, tinctures, and essential oils and is also used in skin care products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lime Basil
Lime basil is known for its fresh, citrusy flavor and aroma. It has a delicate, pale green color and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and marinades to add a burst of fresh flavor. It’s also popular in desserts, such as sorbets and ice creams, and can be used to add flavor to cocktails and other beverages.
Lime basil is also believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies throughout history to treat a variety of ailments. It’s easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases. Lime basil is an annual herb and should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Purple Ruffles Basil
Purple ruffles basil was given its name because of its deep purple color and frilly, ruffled leaves. It’s popular for its sweet, slightly spicy flavor, and is often used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. Purple ruffles basil is also popular in cooking and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and pesto to add color and flavor.
This plant is a popular choice for adding visual appeal to dishes and is also believed to have medicinal properties. Purple ruffles basil is easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases. Like lime basil, it’s an annual herb and should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth.
Spicy Bush Basil
Spicy bush basil is well-known for its compact, bushy growth habit and spicy, clove-like flavor. It’s a popular choice for container gardens and is also used as an ornamental plant. Spicy bush basil is popular in cooking and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and pesto to add flavor and aroma.
It’s a popular choice for adding spice and flavor to dishes and is also believed to have medicinal properties. Spicy bush basil is easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is known for its sweet, licorice-like flavor and is the most commonly cultivated and widely used variety of basil. It has a bright green color and typically used in various dishes, such as salads, pasta, and pesto, to add flavor and aroma.
Sweet basil is also often used in sauces, marinades, and other condiments, and to add flavor to cocktails and other beverages. Aside from its culinary uses, it’s also believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies to treat certain ailments. It’s easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to pests and diseases.
Sweet Thai Basil
Sweet Thai basil is native to Thailand and known for its sweet, anise-like flavor and spicy aroma. It has a deep green color and is often used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in stir-fries and other dishes. Sweet Thai basil is also used in a variety of sauces, marinades, and other condiments, and can be used to add flavor to cocktails and other beverages.
Genovese Basil
Genovese basil is named after the city of Genoa in Italy, where it’s said to have originated. It’s a popular choice for Italian cuisine and is known for its sweet, licorice-like flavor and bright green color.
Genovese basil is easy to grow in a home garden and is resistant to most pests and diseases. It can be grown from seeds or transplanted from a nursery and should be planted in well-draining soil in a location with plenty of sun. Genovese basil can be grown indoors or outdoors and is a popular choice for container gardens.
Basil – History and Uses
Basil is a popular herb that’s native to India and widely cultivated around the world. It belongs to the mint family and is known for its fragrant leaves and distinctive flavor. Basil has a long history of use in cooking, medicine, and religious rituals, and has been cultivated for thousands of years in a variety of cultures.
· Use of Basil in Ancient Rome and Greece
The ancient Romans used basil as a culinary herb and believed it had aphrodisiac properties. They used it to flavor a variety of dishes, such as sauces, marinades, and condiments, and it was often used to add flavor to meat and fish dishes. Basil was also used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments, such as respiratory and digestive issues.
Basil was widely cultivated in the Roman Empire and was an important part of the Roman diet. It was also used as an ingredient in perfumes since the Romans enjoyed its pleasant aroma. It was also often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have the power to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck.
· Use of Basil in Ancient Egypt
Basil was used in ancient Egyptian mummification to mask the smell of the embalming process. The ancient Egyptians believed that basil had purifying and preserving properties, and it was often used in the mummification process to help preserve the body and prevent decay.
During the mummification process, the internal organs were removed, and the body was treated with a variety of substances, including natron, which helped to dry out the body and prevent decay. Basil was then placed in the body cavities along with other herbs and spices, such as myrrh and cassia, to help mask the smell of the embalming process and to add a pleasant aroma to the body.
It’s important to note that the use of basil in the mummification process was largely symbolic and did not have a significant effect on the preservation of the body. The main purpose of the mummification process was to dry out the body and prevent decay, which was achieved through the use of substances like natron.
· Use of Basil in China
In traditional Chinese medicine, basil is believed to have healing properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is often used to treat colds, fevers, and respiratory issues, and is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Basil is also used in skin care products and is believed to have skin-soothing and rejuvenating properties.
Basil is widely cultivated in China and is used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries and soups, to add flavor and aroma. It is also used to flavor a variety of beverages and desserts.
Interesting Facts about Basil
- Basil is a symbol of love and fertility in many cultures and is often given as a gift to express these sentiments.
- In Italy, basil is considered to be a symbol of the city of Genoa and is featured on the city’s flag.
- Basil is believed to have insect-repelling properties and is often used in natural pest control methods.
- Basil is a natural source of antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
- In Hinduism, basil is considered to be a sacred plant and is often used in religious ceremonies.
- Basil is a popular choice for attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden, as it has a strong aroma and is rich in nectar.
- Basil was used in ancient Egyptian mummification as a way to mask the smell of the embalming process.
The Take-Away
In this article, we’ve mentioned just a few examples of the many different varieties of basil that are available. Each variety has its own unique flavor and appearance and can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and aroma.
Varieties of Basil FAQs
Genovese basil is widely considered the best variety for use in cooking, particularly in Italian dishes. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor and is known for its large, soft leaves.
The most common variety of basil is likely sweet basil, also known as Genovese basil. It’s widely available at supermarkets and is easy to grow at home in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Most varieties of basil are edible and are commonly used in cooking to add flavor and aroma to dishes. It’s important to note that some plants may be sold as basil, but are not actually related to the basil plant and are not edible. It’s always a good idea to make sure you are using a variety of basil that is safe to eat.
Sweet basil (also known as Genovese basil) is generally considered one of the easiest varieties of basil to grow. It’s a popular choice for home gardens and can be grown in pots or in the ground.
The most common variety of basil used in pizza is sweet basil, also known as Genovese basil. Other varieties include Thai basil, which has a slightly spicier flavor, and purple basil, which has a more subtle, slightly sweet flavor and adds a pop of color to dishes.
Some basil varieties that are known to be particularly attractive to bees include sweet basil (also known as Genovese basil), lemon basil, and cinnamon basil.
The most aromatic basil is generally considered to be sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). It has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is commonly used in Italian and Thai cooking. Other varieties of basil that are known for their strong aroma include Thai basil and holy basil.
