Ocimum tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as holy basil, tulasi or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.
Is sweet basil and Basil the same thing?
May 21, 2021 · Sweet basil is a sub-type of common basil with milder or licoricey taste. It is the best choice for Italian sauces and soups and for making pesto. Sweet basil leaves can sustain better in high-temperature cooking than common basil, …
Is Sweet Basil the same as holy basil?
Apr 21, 2020 · Is there a difference between Basil and Sweet Basil? Hello Carole, There are many varieties of basil, sweet basil (common basil) (Ocimum basilicum) has dark green leaves is the most common. It has a spicy aroma with a sweet clove-like taste. (Dried basil (and most dried herbs) are very different in aroma and flavor then the fresh leaves.)
Is Genovese basil the same as sweet basil?
The first difference to note between these 2 types of basils is based on their appearance. The stem of holy basil is hairy as compared to that of sweet basil which is hairless. Furthermore, the leaves of sweet basil have smooth edges whereas the edges of holy basil are shaped like teeth.
What are the health benefits of Sweet Basil?
This is a spicy and hearty basil variety that stands out. Sweet Basil. Sweet Basil is, well, predominantly just sweet with only a very light herbal spiciness that resembles more than anything the taste of cloves. It is also mild and doesn’t …
What type of basil is sweet basil?
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the term for common basil, while Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese') is a specific cultivar.Jun 11, 2021
Is Italian large leaf basil the same as sweet basil?
70 days – Also known as 'Sweet Basil', 'Large Leaf Italian' basil is native to Europe where it has been cultivated for centuries as a fresh and dried culinary herb. It has been a common plant in American kitchen gardens since the late 1700s.
What's the difference between sweet basil?
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.Feb 24, 2022
Is there a difference in basil?
The main difference between Thai basil and holy basil is their flavor. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery. What is this? Holy basil can often be called Thai holy basil making it confusing to differentiate that they are, in fact, not the same herb.Sep 3, 2020
Can I use sweet basil instead of regular basil?
Sweet basil is a sub-type of common basil with milder or licoricey taste. It is the best choice for Italian sauces and soups and for making pesto. Sweet basil leaves can sustain better in high-temperature cooking than common basil, so they are widely used in the South Asian cuisine.May 21, 2021
What basil is best for pesto?
Italian Large Leaf BasilItalian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto. This variety offers a strong flavor for a robust fullness. When using fresh basil to prepare pesto, crush the leaves first to release the flavor, then add them to the olive oil.Feb 6, 2015
Which basil is best for cooking?
1. Sweet Basil. It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.Aug 3, 2021
What can I substitute for sweet basil?
Best basil substituteOregano. The best substitute for basil? Oregano. Keep in mind: the flavor profile is not the same! ... Tarragon. The next best substitute for basil? Tarragon. ... Mint. The last substitute for basil: mint! Like both oregano and tarragon, the flavor profile is not the same.May 26, 2020
Are basil leaves and basil the same?
Basil Leaves - Also Known As Basil Leaf, Basil Whole or Sweet Basil - My Spice Sage.
Is sweet basil actually sweet?
Basil is sweet, slightly bitter and the perfect complement to any salad. In the U.S., we associate the velvety leaves with Italian food, but there are so many varieties (more than we can list!) that are used in other cuisines around the world, ranging in flavor from sweet to spicy to slightly bitter.Feb 22, 2022
Is sweet basil Sweet?
Sweet Basil for Beginners It has dark green leaves and a spicy aroma, and the taste is pungent but leans toward a sweet, clove-like back end. The large leaves of the Genovese basil plant are known for their intense flavor.
Is Italian basil same as sweet 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.
What is the flavor of basil?
Hello Carole, There are many varieties of basil, sweet basil (common basil) (Ocimum basilicum) has dark green leaves is the most common. It has a spicy aroma with a sweet clove-like taste. (Dried basil (and most dried herbs) are very different in aroma and flavor then the fresh leaves.) Click to see full answer.
What is the difference between fresh basil and dried basil?
The big difference between dried and fresh basil is flavor. Dried basil is brittle and crumbly like most dried herbs, while fresh basil leaves have a similar texture to spinach and other fresh herbs. Note also that dried basil is a dull green color while fresh basil is a vibrant green.
What is the best basil to grow in a container?
All of them are edible and perfect for growing in containers. Sweet Basil. It is among the most popular basil varieties to grow and is used widely in cooking its tender, aromatic foliage. Genovese Basil. Thai Basil. Napoletano Basil. Dark Opal Basil. Christmas Basil. Lemon Basil.
Can you use sweet basil in place of Thai basil?
When using sweet basil in place of Thai basil, you may be able to replicate this intensity by using a little more of the herb than your recipe requires for Thai basil. Try using about one and a half times more sweet basil.
Is sweet basil the same as basil?
In this way, is Sweet Basil and Basil the same thing? The most common basil is 'Genovese basil' (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. The two names are interchangeable. Sweet or Genovese basil both grow in U. S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 and above as perennials. Secondly, can I use Thai basil instead of ...
What is the difference between sweet basil and holy basil?
Holy basil has a light green colour as compared to sweet basil which has a dark green colour. Furthermore, the colours of the flowers found on these 2 types of basils are different. Holy basil has purple or pink flowers whereas the flowers found on sweet basil are white flowers.
Where does sweet basil come from?
This is also another type of basil and it is actually the most famous one. It originated in India and it is an aromatic herb. It is very popular in the culinary world and it is used to add flavour and aroma to food. Sweet basil in botanical terms is known as ocimum basilicum. Sweet basil belongs to the Lamiaceae family.
Why is holy basil considered the Queen of Herbs?
Furthermore holy basil has a religious significance as compared to sweet basil. This is because the Hindu people believe that it represents the goddess Tulsi and it is usually grown at the centre of a courtyard.
What is the most common sauce in Italy?
One of the most common sauces in Italy is pesto. It is made using a number of ingredients and sweet basil is one of them. Sweet basil is added to the sauce to give is a sweet aroma and flavour. Pesto is usually served with pasta but you can serve it as a sauce for meat or fish depending on your preferences.
How tall is sweet basil?
The height of sweet basil usually ranges from 30 to 130cm whereas the height of holy basil is usually 30 to 60 cm.
What is the most common type of basil?
The most common types of basil that you are most likely to come across are holy basil and sweet basil. They are often used interchangeably when cooking by a lot of people but, these are actually different. They have different tastes, appearance as well as colours.
What to do with holy basil?
5.1 Use holy basil to make pad kee mao. 5.2 Use holy basil to make pad gaprao. 5.3 Use holy basil to make tea. 6 How to use sweet basil when cooking. 6.1 Use sweet basil to make pesto. 6.2 Use sweet basil to make Pasta allo scarpariello.
What is Thai basil?
Thai Basil. Thai Basil has the traditional basil sweetness, but it’s also spicier than most basil varieties. It has strong notes of anise that really stand out when added to recipes, even when it’s cooked down at extremely high temperatures.
What is basil good for?
It is also great for soups, topping off noodle dishes, and sprinkling on salads. You won’t need to worry too much about when you add it to your recipe or at how high of a temperature it’s being cooked at as the flavor should retain even under extreme duress. This is a spicy and hearty basil variety that stands out.
Does Thai basil work well in Italian food?
Whereas Thai Basil wouldn’t work so well in Italian foods, the spiciness and strong flavor of the Thai Basil are really the glues that hold many of your favorite exotic dishes together.
Can you use sweet basil in pasta sauce?
If basil is being used in your favorite pasta sauce, it is likely Sweet Basil. Therefore, finding some Sweet Basil when making your own homemade pasta sauce is definitely the way to go if you want that authentic Italian flavor.
Is sweet basil a spice?
Sweet Basil. Sweet Basil is, well, predominantly just sweet with only a very light herbal spiciness that resembles more than anything the taste of cloves. It is also mild and doesn’t stand out too much when utilized in dishes.
Where does basil come from?
Turns out there are plenty of types of basil to choose from. Basil is a kitchen herb in the mint family. Although it’s native to India, basil is used in a wide number of cuisines, from Italian to Thai and Vietnamese recipes.
What is Thai basil?
Thai basil is strong and bold, with a spicy, licorice-like flavor. The leaves are smaller and pointier, and the plant produces beautiful purple flowers. This type of basil holds up well to high-temperature cooking, so don’t be afraid to add it to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
What kind of basil is used in pesto?
Sweet Basil. Sweet basil is the most common variety at the grocery store. If your recipe doesn’t specify what kind of basil to use, it probably calls for sweet basil. This type of basil has dark green, glossy leaves and a sweet but slightly spicy flavor. Use it to make pesto or a caprese salad.
What is the best herb to use for grilled vegetables?
Combining the flavors of fresh basil and lemon is a sure winner, so it makes sense that this variety is gaining in popularity. This herb is sweet and has a powerful lemon scent, making it ideal for grilled vegetables or fish dishes.
Is basil green or purple?
As its name suggests, this type of basil isn’t green like most herbs. It’s a vibrant purple color with larger-than-normal leaves. It’s not as sweet as other basil varieties, and it has a strong clove flavor.
What is the difference between Genovese basil and sweet basil?
What Is the Difference Between Genovese Basil & Sweet Basil? Aromatic in the ground as well as in sauces, basil is a common herb grown in windowsills, containers and garden beds across the globe. You can grow one or several of the many types of basil, depending on your location and what you plan to do with the harvest of aromatic leaves.
What is the flavor of Italian basil?
It’s typically used in most pesto recipes and tomato-based dishes. It has dark green leaves and a spicy aroma, and the taste is pungent but leans toward a sweet, clove-like back end.
What kind of basil is good for pesto?
Sweet basil cultivars include: 'Mammoth basil'. 'Spicy globe basil'.
How much sun does Genovese basil need?
Genovese basil seeds can be sown into containers inside all year-round if you put them in a sunny spot. They require a minimum of 6 hours of full sun, not partial, to become big, bushy plants with a full canopy of leaves.
Is sweet basil perennial or annual?
Sweet or Genovese basil both grow in U. S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 and above as perennials. As an annual, it will last until the first frost before quickly dying off, or it can be planted after the last signs of spring frost.
Can Genovese basil be mixed with other herbs?
They have a wonderful aroma that will waft into the air at the slightest brush of a hand. Genovese basil prefer s containers, bunched together with other herbs in well-tended garden beds, and mixed in with flowers in raised beds.
Holy Basil VS Basil: Naming
Holy basil and sweet basil are like cousins. Think of them like lemons and limes. They belong to the Lamiaceae family and the Ocimum genus, however, they belong to different species.
What Are Its Uses?
Holy basil is deeply rooted in the Hinduism religion, Ayurveda, and traditional Hindu medicine. In the Hinduism religion, it was worshipped as it was considered as the Mother Medicine of nature. In ancient Hindu societies, it was used for treating different ailments, including sore throat, memory loss, fever, headaches, cuts, and acne.
Holy Basil VS Basil: Physical Features
At a glance, you may not be able to tell holy basil apart from sweet basil. However, if you look closely, you will notice some obvious differences. The most outstanding difference is the texture of their stems. Holy basil has a hairy stem while regular basil has a smooth, hairless stem. The hairs in holy basil are more pronounced in older plants.
Holy Basil VS Basil: The Taste
Holy basil has a peppery, clove-like taste. Some people liken its taste to that of Jamaican peppers. Sweet basil has a licorice-clove flavor. The holy basil flavor is more potent and becomes stronger when exposed to heat during the cooking process.
Method of Consumption
Both holy basil and regular basil can be consumed in a variety of ways. Both their leaves and flowers are edible and non-toxic. They can be steeped in water to form infused basil tea. They can also be infused in olive oil or red wine or white wine vinegar to make salad dressings.
Growing Conditions
Sweet basil is an annual crop. It lasts for a year before flowering and seeding towards the end of the year. On the other hand, holy basil is a perennial crop. It lasts for many years with cycles of dormancy and blooming depending on the weather conditions.
Nutritional Facts
Holy basil and sweet basil have a similar macronutrient profile, however, they vary in their micronutrient profile in that holy basil contains high levels of vitamins A and C, while regular basil does not.
What does basil taste like?
Basil is known for mild pepper like flavor and has a pleasing aroma with slight hint of mint. It’s taste changes as we tend to chew it from mild peppery to a very light yet sweet taste. The name itself has a Latin origin and means a royal plant. It is usually seen as a bushy plant with lots of branches originating from the stem.
What is the most commonly used variety of basil?
2) Sweet Basil. This is the most commonly used variety of this plant. If types of basils are not mentioned while you are buying it then probably this is the type you have picked. It can be used in any form whether sprinkled, cooked or in the form of a paste.
What is the best basil to use for spasms?
10) Greek Basil. This type of Basil has small leaves and can also be used as an ornamental plant. It has a mild spicy flavor to it and is often used as a garnish in soups and salads or to spice up meat and chicken curries. This basil is particularly helpful in preventing and curing spasms.
What is basil and lemon used for?
It is most often used in poultry marinades, grilled fish, desserts and even salads to infuse the lemon-like scent and taste to these dishes.
How long does it take for basil to mature?
This variety matures much earlier in comparison to other types of basil. This basil plant matures fully in around a time span of around two to three months.
How tall do basil plants grow?
The leaves are generally thick and green, and the maximum height for the plant is around 2 feet only though there are exceptions in size. Some varieties are dwarf sized while there are a few of them which grow higher than the mentioned size of the natural Basil plant. Usually tiny white or purple flowers with a spiky center can be seen on ...
How tall is basil?
This type of Basil is the tallest growing variety of Basil with its height reach of up to 4 feet. Its fragrance is an atypical mixture of various scents which in themselves are strong like that of the camphor, mint, peppers, and cloves.
