Tag: Basil

Origins of Basil There are some indications that basil may have originated even farther east than India with ancient records from 807 A.D. suggesting that sweet basil was used in the Hunan region of China at that time. Where did basil originally come from? Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as […]

Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers. Does basil have a fruit? Basil develops miniature flowers that appear in spikes on top of a plant. They can be white, pinkish or mauve in color. Flowers are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, each flower turns into dry fruit called […]

Basil flowers are perfectly edible. In terms of fragrance and flavor, the flowers are similar, if milder, than the leaves. Sometimes, flowers can be somewhat bitter, so test them first. When sprinkled over a salad, basil flowers impart a mild basil flavor and add a decorative touch. Can basil be eaten after flowering? Or, you […]

Basil develops miniature flowers that appear in spikes on top of a plant. They can be white, pinkish or mauve in color. Flowers are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, each flower turns into dry fruit called achene. Is basil a fruit or a vegetable? Basil is absolutely a vegetable. Likewise, many soft-stemmed herbs such […]

Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in colour from white to magenta. What is basil known for? Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, […]

Yes, coffee ground fertilizer is safe for basil and other herbs. Again, just use it sparingly. Herbs definitely benefit from the nitrogen boost that coffee grounds provide. How do you fertilize basil with coffee grounds? Thinly sprinkle used coffee grounds onto the soil of your basil plant, and then work it into the soil. This […]

In Thailand, Thai basil is called bai horapa, while in Vietnam, it is known as rau húng quế. Interestingly, rau hung que literally means “cinnamon mint,” though Thai basil is a true basil. This true basil is made distinct by its small leaves, smaller than its western and European counterparts. Is Thai basil the same […]

thyrsiflora, is one variety. Thai basil may sometimes be called chi neang vorng, anise basil or licorice basil, in reference to its anise- and licorice-like scent and taste, but it is different from the Western strains bearing these same names. Does Thai basil taste like licorice? A type of Thai basil, these plants are not […]

Don’t let all the hard work you put into keeping it alive wither. Puree some basil and olive oil in a food processor, and freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray. You can also blanch and freeze whole leaves, or dry them in the oven. Can you have too much basil? When taken by […]

Bitter Tasting Basil Leaves The herb is cultivated for the use of these leaves, which are high in essential oils and impart delicate flavor and aroma to a multitude of cuisines. It can be used either fresh or dried, although most people agree that dried basil doesn’t hold a candle to fresh basil. Why does […]

I also almost always add lemon juice (should help for the bitterness too) and a dash of olive oil (which shouldn’t affect the taste, only the aroma). Another ingredient which does well in a basil dip are green or blonde olives, if their salt level is not too high. How do you cut bitterness in […]

anise. In terms of taste, Thai basil smells like anise and has a more licorice smell with a slightly spicy taste. Sweet basil has the classic aroma that reminds you of pesto and has more of a clove like. What is the smell of Thai basil? Thai basil is sturdy and compact, growing up to […]

When dried, cinnamon basil is wonderful in potpourri and can be used in herb/dried flower wreaths. Cooking with cinnamon basil is unique and interesting. You can add it to your tea, use it in jellies, honeys, vinegars and baked goods. What would you use cinnamon basil for? Thanks to its cinnamate compound, this basil variety […]

Clove basil or bush basil, Ocimum gratissimum, is a large-statured, potent, perennial basil. This plant grows up to eight feet tall and wide and lives for multiple years. Which basil is perennial? There are three types of perennial or biennial basil that you might find in tropical climates. They are: pink, white and Greek. These […]

1. Flavor: Taste is the most noticeable difference between sweet basil and Thai basil. Thai basil leaves have a distinctive flavor with bold notes of licorice and spice. True to its common name, sweet basil has a sweeter flavor and more peppery notes. Can you substitute Thai basil for sweet basil? Can you substitute Thai […]

Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, giving it a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon. Does cinnamon basil taste like basil? Cinnamon basil is aromatic, emitting a sweet, spice-filled scent, and the leaves have a pleasant green, herbal, and warm flavor with cinnamon and […]

Estragole – this is one of the main molecules in basil leaves, it makes up over 50% of the essential oils and is what gives basil its distinct basil smell. Limonene – this molecule is what gives citrus fruit zest its characteristic smell, it is named after lemon. Does basil have a smell? The characteristic […]

The best fresh basil replacements are spinach, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, arugula, celery leaf, lemon balm and tarragon. What is a good substitute for fresh basil? Fresh Basil Fresh oregano. This is the closest substitute when it comes to texture, flavor, and color. Spinach. Spinach is an easy substitute for texture and color, but has […]

Besides eggplant, zucchini and squash, basil pairs well with artichokes, mushrooms, and green vegetables including salad greens. Tear basil into shreds or roughly chop it and add to a salad with mixed greens, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, frisee or watercress. What is basil good for in cooking? This popular herb is used in a […]

The best time to put the basil on your pizza is after it’s been baked, and it’s also best to do it right before serving. If you’re unsure, wait a few minutes and add the basil. If you’re using fresh basil on your pizza, it’s best to use it right after you’ve baked the pie. […]