You know basil, but you don't know basil. We all know that it's used for Italian meals and that it goes well with tomato and mozzarella cheese. But I bet you didn't know there are over one hundred different varieties of basil and that its used for everything from medicine to religious ceremonies to creating scented crafts as well as for cooking. I have your attention, so I will share some of my favorite types of basil and why I love them.
Thai Basil - Thai Basil can be used to cook just as with common Sweet Basil, yet it has a slight licorice quality to it and its more powerfully flavored. Warm and peppery are two words folk use to describe it. It is most often used in a culinary capacity in the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Apart from cooking, it boasts attractive pink-purple flowers and stems which make it a distinct addition to any garden. The flowers are edible and may be used as a garnish or in salads.
African Blue Basil - Of the many varieties of basil this is the most beautiful. Discovered accidentally as a crossbreed of Camphor Basil and Dark Opal Basil, it carries a mildly sweet scent of camphor and the leaves themselves have the purple hue. It is also one of the tallest. The herb will grow given that it remains in warm weather and can grow to four feet tall. The hue of its leaves and flowers make it a great accompaniment to ornamental projects and a great supplement to the garden. This variety can only be spread through cuttings as its hybrid nature has made it sterile. If you are lucky enough to find it at your local nursery I recommend buying it.
Lemon Basil - A plant native to northwest India, Lemon Basil flaunts silver-green leaves and a light citrus aroma. It isn't just used for cooking, but it is great for making teas and potpourris as well. A lot of people make infused vinegar with it by adding some washed 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 - It ought to be known that Holy Basil is actually a different species than most basils we are familiar with, however that does not negate its significance. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi in the Hindu religion, is quite revered for its use in Ayurvedic medicine and religious ritual. It has been suggested to provide relief for the common cold, headaches, cardiovascular disease, disorders of the stomach, inflammation, and various forms of poisoning. Holy Basil has additionally been recognized to help lower the levels of cortisol in the human body. Medicine aside, Holy Basil is frequently found in Thai cuisine.
The next time you are planning your garden be sure you consider one of the many cultivars of basil to add. They come in so many varieties and colors, as well as flavors; you don't want to miss out. The best thing is that basil is easy to grow indoors and out, so you can use it no matter where you live.
African Blue Basil - Of the many varieties of basil this is the most beautiful. Discovered accidentally as a crossbreed of Camphor Basil and Dark Opal Basil, it carries a mildly sweet scent of camphor and the leaves themselves have the purple hue. It is also one of the tallest. The herb will grow given that it remains in warm weather and can grow to four feet tall. The hue of its leaves and flowers make it a great accompaniment to ornamental projects and a great supplement to the garden. This variety can only be spread through cuttings as its hybrid nature has made it sterile. If you are lucky enough to find it at your local nursery I recommend buying it.
Lemon Basil - A plant native to northwest India, Lemon Basil flaunts silver-green leaves and a light citrus aroma. It isn't just used for cooking, but it is great for making teas and potpourris as well. A lot of people make infused vinegar with it by adding some washed 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 - It ought to be known that Holy Basil is actually a different species than most basils we are familiar with, however that does not negate its significance. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi in the Hindu religion, is quite revered for its use in Ayurvedic medicine and religious ritual. It has been suggested to provide relief for the common cold, headaches, cardiovascular disease, disorders of the stomach, inflammation, and various forms of poisoning. Holy Basil has additionally been recognized to help lower the levels of cortisol in the human body. Medicine aside, Holy Basil is frequently found in Thai cuisine.
The next time you are planning your garden be sure you consider one of the many cultivars of basil to add. They come in so many varieties and colors, as well as flavors; you don't want to miss out. The best thing is that basil is easy to grow indoors and out, so you can use it no matter where you live.
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For more information about basil varieties or tips on how to dry basil, please check out these highly recommended links. Happy growing and good luck!