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 mint nuances.
| Baked Goods | |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Trial & Error | Cinnamon Basil Shortbread Cookies |
| Sauce | |
| Better Homes & Gardens | Cinnamon Basil Dessert Pesto |
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.
What is the difference between basil and cinnamon basil?
Cinnamon Basil is a spicy, fragrant variety of basil. The cinnamon basil plant is another beauty in the herb garden. The stems are a reddish, purple color with pink flowers at maturity. Cinnamon Basil has a milder basil flavor and pairs well with fruit contributing a slight zing with the cinnamon flavor.
What is basil supposed to taste like?
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.
Why does basil smell like cinnamon?
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 do I do with cinnamon basil?
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.
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.
What are the health benefits of cinnamon basil?
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.
Which basil is holy basil?
The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal tea is holy basil — sometimes called tulsi — which is the O. tenuiflorum species,also known as O. sanctum.
What is the difference between basil and Italian basil?
Italian basil is not a real cultivar (by cultivar I mean “cultural variety”) of basil. “Italian basil” a general term for the types of basil that may be used in Italian cooking. The two types of basil cultivars that are used in Italian cooking include Sweet Basil, the most common cultivar, and Genovese Basil.
Can basil be spicy?
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 does bad basil taste like?
How does basil taste when spoiled? Even though spoiled basil is still edible, it will taste bitter and slimy.
Why does my basil taste peppery?
The primary culprit is lack of pruning. Basil needs regular pruning or cutting back to facilitate a robust, bushy plant with plenty of aromatic leaves.
Is fresh basil good for you?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
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.
Why does my basil smell weird?
basil plants can produce different scents akin to cat urine, lemon, licorice, or even cinnamon due to the presence of particular compounds like mercaptan, anethole, citral, cinnamate. Some of these compounds can be externally introduced while others are naturally produced by specific basil varieties.
Does basil make pee?
Being a diuretic, basil also keeps urination problems at bay.
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 |
Does cinnamon basil grow back?
Harvesting of of Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum Cinnamon).
Harvest the young fresh leaves as needed, the plant grows back quickly as the more it is harvested and pinched the more likely it will be to branch and produce more leaves.
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.