Basil, Do Me a Flavor…

You know basil, but you don’t know basil. It’s common knowledge that it goes well with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and it’s used in Italian cooking. But let me tell you, there are over one hundred basil varieties in the world. It is used in a number of ways, from religious ceremonies to medicine to crafts and cooking. I have your attention, so I will share a few of my favorite types of basil and why I love them.

Thai Basil – Thai Basil is delightfully tasty, as it has a mild licorice flavor, only more intense. The herb is commonly substituted in any recipe that Sweet Basil is used. Warm and peppery are two words folk use to describe it. It is usually used in the food of the countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Apart from cooking, it boasts stunning pink-purple flowers and stems which make it a distinct addition to any garden. Some individuals use its flowers in salads or as a garnish, as the leaves are edible.

African Blue Basil – Here is the prettiest of all basil varieties. This plant was identified in the early eighties as a crossbreed between Dark Opal Basil and Camphor Basil. The flowers are purple and the leaves hold that color as well. This variety has a mildly sweet scent of camphor. It is also among the tallest. The herb will grow given that it remains in hot weather and can grow up to four feet tall. It makes a wonderful supplement to the garden and has other decorative uses. Being a hybrid it cannot be grown from seed but must be propagated through cuttings. I recommend buying it if you are lucky enough to find it at your local nursery.

Lemon Basil – A native to northern India, Lemon Basil flaunts silver-green leaves and a light citrus aroma. It is excellent for producing potpourris and teas and for use in cooking as well. A lot of people make infused vinegar with it by combining a handful of rinsed Lemon Basil to a bottle of white wine vinegar. It is well-paired with lime basil to make for a complete citrus experience.

Holy Basil – Technically, Holy Basil belongs to a different species than the basil varieties we are commonly familiar with, however this does not make it any less significant. Holy Basil also happens to be known as Tulsi in the Hindu religion. It is regularly used in religious ritual and highly regarded for its use in Ayurvedic medicine. There are numerous conditions, such as headache, the common cold, cardiovascular disease, stomach disorders, inflammation and poisoning, for which Tulsi is believed to provide relief. It is suggested that Holy Basil can also lower the amount of the steroid cortisol within the body. Medicine aside, Holy Basil is frequently used in Thai cuisine.

The next time you’re planning your garden be sure to consider one of the many varieties of basil to incorporate. They come in so many varieties and colors, as well as flavors; you don’t want to miss out. Basil is also easy to grow indoors in containers so you can use it any time of the year.

For more information about types of basil or tips on how to grow basil, please check out these highly recommended links. Happy growing and good luck!

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