What Kind Of Spice Is Basil?

herbs.
Basil, rosemary, and parsley are often found in a kitchen’s spice rack but actually qualify as herbs because they are aromatic leaves. Spices tend to be stronger in flavor than herbs, because they are made from crushed portions of plants that are especially rich in essential oils.

What spice is basil?

Basil is a spice that comes from the basil plant. Basil has been used as both food and medicine for centuries. There are many varieties of basil, but sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the most popular variety. Sweet basil has a slightly peppery flavor with hints of anise and spice.

What spice is similar to basil?

Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.

What type of herb is basil?

basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.

Is basil a spicy herb?

Basil has over 160 different cultivars or types, with flavors ranging from bold and spicy to mild and sweet, each with the ability to grant a given dish its own distinctive signature.

What flavor does basil add?

The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.

What is basil best used for?

Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.

What can I replace dried basil with?

Other dried herbs that can substitute for dried basil leaves include parsley, thyme and oregano. Fresh or dried cilantro simulates some of the bitter freshness of dried basil leaves. Blend thyme, oregano or parsley with savory or marjoram for greater complexity.

Can I use thyme instead of basil?

Basil. As it’s in the same family as thyme, feel free to use basil in place of thyme in many dishes. Fresh basil is very licorice-y and bright, so use half of the amount of fresh basil as you would fresh thyme, and a 1:1 swap for dried thyme.

Is bay leaves and basil the same?

Bay leaves are quite big and may even be 3 inches or more long and flat, while basil leaves are shorter, with a somewhat rounded middle. Bay leaves are olive green while basil is a vibrant green. As there are many different kinds of bay and basil leaves, there so there are many variations in size and color.

Is basil toxic?

Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.

Is basil related to clove?

Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum.
Ocimum gratissimum.

African basil
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Ocimum
Species:	O. gratissimum

Is basil a mint?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb belonging to the Lamiaceae plant family. If you’re familiar with botanic terms, you’ll probably notice that the Lamiaceae family is also called the “mint family”. In other words, basil and mint are (in a way) related to one another.

What does basil do to food?

It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.

What is the spice basil used for?

The most common use of basil is for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto, or vinegars. But it also can be sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes, either whole or chopped. Actually, don’t chop the leaves, but tear them instead for the most flavor.

Should you cook basil?

If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.

What do you cook with basil?

How to Use Basil

1. Top whole leaves onto pizza.
2. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
3. Blend it into sauces.
4. Puree it into soups.
5. Chop it up to add to a salad.
6. Use it to garnish avocado toast.
7. Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

Can you eat too much basil?

Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).

Do oregano and basil go together?

Oregano. Oregano has a warm, pungent flavour with a lemon-like aroma. It works great with these herbs: Basil, parsley, sage, chives, coriander, mint and thyme.

What meat goes best with basil?

Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.

How long does basil last in the fridge?

How long does basil stay fresh in the fridge? This depends on how you store it. It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.