Different Types Of Basil

Different types of basil

The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups. It's also really easy to grow and will give you an abundance of big leaves you can toss onto your meals.

What types of basil are edible?

There are four basic types of basil: sweet basils, small-leaved/dwarf basils, purple-leaved basil, and basils with specially scented leaves. Sweet basils are the tender large-leaved varieties such as 'Genovese' and 'Napoletano'. Staples in Italian cooking, these are the aromatic and flavor-packed pesto makers.

What is the most common type of basil?

Also called Sweet Basil or Sweet Genovese, Genovese Basil is the most common variety and what you'll find in those plastic packages at the supermarket. The oval-shaped leaves are about two to three inches long and have a strong aroma and peppery flavor.

What is the difference between types of basil?

True to its common name, sweet basil has a sweeter flavor and more peppery notes. Appearance: Thai basil has purple stems, while sweet basil has green stems. The leaves of Thai basil are narrower than sweet basil leaves and have a slightly serrated edge.

Does basil grow better in pots or in the ground?

Basil will grow best in a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can perform well in partial sun, too. Soil should be moderately fertile and moist but well-draining. Basil works great in containers or raised beds, as these allow for better drainage.

Which basil is best for pasta?

Italian 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.

Is any basil poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Is there poisonous basil?

Mostly Safe for Pets. Basil flowers, like the rest of the plant, are considered to be non-toxic to domesticated animals such as dogs, cats and horses under normal circumstances. Basil flowers and leaves do contain plant compounds that can be harmful to their digestive systems when consumed in mass quantities, though.

Which basil has the most health benefits?

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a bit different from the sweet basil you use in your favorite recipes. Still, its phytochemicals can help to protect against different types of cancer, including lung cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, and skin cancer.

Which basil does not taste like licorice?

But setting looks aside, Thai basil is spicy with an anise, or licorice-like flavor, while sweet basil has a more mild peppery and sweet taste (for reference, sweet basil is commonly used as a main ingredient in Genovese-style pesto).

What kind of basil is sold in grocery stores?

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 type of basil is used in Italian cooking?

Sweet Basil (Ocimum bacilicum), and its close relativebasilico genovese, are the only varieties used in Italian cooking to avoid the mint flavor common in other types.

Which basil is used for pesto?

The Italians are onto a good thing, with basil varieties such as the classic 'Genovese' a staple of real, home cooking. Fragrant, near-glossy dark-green leaves make the best pesto, but look out too for red and crinkle-leaved varieties and the bushy Greek basil, whose tiny leaves pack a tasty punch.

Is Italian basil the same as sweet basil?

Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also Italian basil or sweet basil. It's the basil that you'll find at your grocery store and on top of your margherita pizzas! It's often used in Italian dishes.

What kind of basil is sweet?

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) The essence of summer, sweet basil is the widest grown type of basil. It has rounded, cup-shaped leaves with the classic spicy clove flavor beloved by gardeners and cooks. This type includes common and Genovese basils and is the one to grow if you want plenty of leaves for pesto.

What should not be planted by basil?

Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil

• Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a bad basil plant companion because the two plants compete for resources, such as water and nutrients.
• Fennel. Fennel is another plant that you should avoid growing with your basil. ...
• Thyme. ...
• Common Rue. ...
• Sage.

Can you use Miracle Grow potting soil for basil?

Plant Your Herbs in Quality Soil Your herbs will need ample nutrients, oxygen and moisture at the root level. Always use a quality potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, that will allow for proper airflow and drainage so your herbs can root deeply and thrive.

How often does basil need to be watered?

Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.

When should you not use basil?

Some common traits of bad fresh basil are discoloration, a moist texture and a rotten smell. Basil will first become limp and then the green leaves turn black. Dried basil that is going bad will change color from dark green to brown as it looses its natural oils with age.

Why do Italians use basil?

Basil brings freshness to any dish, and pairs extremely well with cheeses, tomatoes, garlic, and lemon. It is used in countless Italian dishes, perhaps most famously in the Caprese salad. Its antibacterial properties also bring health benefits to the table.

13 Different types of basil Images