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.
What is the difference between cinnamon basil and regular basil?
Cinnamon Basil has a milder basil flavor and pairs well with fruit contributing a slight zing with the cinnamon flavor. It is also a favorite herb in Asian cooking.
What is cinnamon basil good for?
Thanks to its cinnamate compound, this basil variety is beneficial against diarrhoea, constipation, kidney problems, cough, headache and warts. The cinnamon flavour makes it a favourite in Thai and Italian cuisines. For maximum, and immediate benefit, a tea infusion using the herb is highly recommended: 4 cups of water.
What does cinnamon basil taste like?
Cinnamon basil is aromatic, emitting a sweet, spice-filled scent, and the leaves have a pleasant green, herbal, and warm flavor with cinnamon and mint nuances.
How do you describe the smell of basil?
No two types of basil smell alike, but most have a lemony, peppery, herbaceous, slightly minty scent that’s similar to tarragon. At close quarters, basil sports a warm, fresh, and sweet scent. Words often used to describe basil include ‘clean’, ‘green’, ‘cleansing’, and ‘herby’, often reminding most people of nature.
Is cinnamon basil edible?
Cinnamon Basil is planted for its delicious edible leaves that have a cinnamon-like aroma. It is used in teas, baked goods, stir-fries and much more. Also known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’, this plant is great for baking.
Does cinnamon basil grow back every year?
Like regular basil (Ocimum basilicum), “cinnamon” basil is a versatile, easy-to-grow herb. Although “cinnamon” basil is often grown as an annual, it is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
How big does cinnamon basil get?
Allow plenty of space for Cinnamon basil, as the plant can reach heights and widths of up to 3 feet (1 m.). Water cinnamon basil plants as needed to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Cinnamon basil grown in containers should be watered whenever the top 1 inch (2.5 cm.)
Is cinnamon basil a heirloom?
Cinnamon Basil – 250 Seeds – Heirloom & Open-Pollinated Variety, Non-GMO Culinary Herb Seeds for Planting, Grow Kitchen Herbs Indoors or Outdoors in Containers or The Home Garden, Thresh Seed Company.
Where is cinnamon basil from?
Mexico
Cinnamon basil is believed to have originated in Mexico, and indeed there are many recipes and uses for this piquant basil in Mexican cuisine. The light cinnamon and anise flavor adds the perfect touch to fruit salads, desserts and savory preparations. The leaves also make a soothing cup of tea.
Why does my basil smell like cloves?
Clove basil is well known for its essential oils, notably eugenol and thymol, which give the plant its clove-like fragrance with a touch of thyme.
What herb smells like cat pee?
Sandpapery leaves conceal a somewhat pungent surprise. Brush against or break lantana leaves, and you’ll encounter an odor that’s somewhere between cat urine, gasoline and fermented citrus.
What does cinnamon smell like?
How does it smell? Cinnamon sticks smell warm, full, slightly fruity, peppery and vanilla-like. The cinnamon leaves smell spicy, woody and a bit metallic. A small selection of perfumes where cinnamon is one of the nuts.
Does basil have a sweet smell?
Sweet basil tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. While most common varieties are treated as annuals, some are perennial, including African Blue and Holy Thai basil. Other basils are grown in many regions of Asia.
What do you do with cinnamon basil flowers?
That said, if you have also been remiss in pinching basil blooms, just snip them off and, as they are quite pretty, put them in a bud vase to enjoy on the window sill. Or, you can also sprinkle them on a salad or over pasta to enliven the dish because, yes, basil flowers are edible. They also make great tea!
Does cinnamon basil spread?
While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor, Cinnamon Basil is also quite ornamental in the garden. Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 18-24 in.
Requirements.
| Hardiness | 9 – 11 What’s My Zone? |
|---|---|
| Spread | 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
How long will a basil plant live?
The basil plant’s lifespan differs depending on how you take care of it. If it is grown inside where there is less threat from cold winters, it may survive for six months. However, if grown in the ground, basil lives for about four to five months in warm, sunny conditions.
Will basil regrow after cutting?
When you clip basil stems back to a fresh set of leaves, you force those leaves to grow, doubling the basil produced on that stem. And as those stems grow, you can pinch them back and double their production – it’s exponential!
How do you get cinnamon basil seeds?
The seeds are contained in the spent flower head. Use a fine colander for basil seed collecting, as the black seeds are very tiny. Cut off the brown and spent flower heads and let them dry for a few days in a warm, dry location. Crush the heads over the colander and pick out the old petals and any chaff.
How long does cinnamon basil take to germinate?
5-10 days
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 5-10 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). SOWING: Direct seed (recommended): Plant seeds 1/4″ deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18″ apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 4-8″ apart produces healthy, full plants.
What is Cardinal basil?
Cardinal basil leaves are spicier than common basil, with an anise or licorice-like flavor and a spicy aroma. Both the leaves and the reddish-purple leaflike flower bracts are edible and have the best flavor just before the plant flowers, though a bitter taste can develop as soon as the plant blooms.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.