How many different kinds of basil are there?

How many varieties of basil are there?

Although it is estimated that there are 50 to 150 species of basil, most, but not all, culinary basils are cultivars of O. basilicum, or sweet basil. Some are cultivars of other basil species, and others are hybrids. It is particularly challenging to determine which species a basil belongs to.

What is the most common type of basil?

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 difference between Greek basil and Italian basil?

Small leaved Greek basil is the best type for sauces, while the larger fleshy leaves of the popular Italian basil is best for salads and the famous Genoese basil sauce, pesto, which goes especially well with pasta.

Is there more than one type of basil?

There are so many types of basil; it’s hard to choose just one. The basil plant is one of the most loved culinary herbs both for its easy-growing nature and variety in the kitchen. Choose one or two of your favorite types so that you can experiment with the different tastes and textures.

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.

Can we eat all types of basil?

Almost all basil varieties are cultivated as culinary herbs. When talking about the different types of basil, most people are familiar with the sweet basil varieties used in Italian cuisine, but many different types of basil are used in Asian cooking as well.

What kind 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.

What is the easiest basil to grow?

The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
It’s also really easy to grow and will give you an abundance of big leaves you can toss onto your meals. While this is also the type you’ll most frequently find available at the grocery store, I recommend growing your own.

What variety of basil is the sweetest?

Sweet Basil
Varieties include Genovese, Napoletano, Italian Large Leaf and Lettuce Leaf.

Is African blue basil the same as Thai basil?

Thai and African blue basil
Thai basil is the one you find in Asian dishes, where its purple/green leaves give a hint of anise. It’s similar in flavor to African Blue basil, a tender perennial. Both are more camphorous than soft-leaved basils, so most people find the taste inferior.

Is Purple Basil the same as Thai basil?

At a glance, the most distinguishable difference is the color of the stems: Thai basil has a purple stem and sweet basil has a green stem.

Are sweet basil and Genovese Basil the same?

Genovese basil has leaves that are slightly larger than sweet basil; further, they are flatter and come to a point. It is more aromatic than sweet basil and has dark green, shiny leaves. The taste of Genovese basil has been described as having hints of mint and clove while at the same time being peppery and spicy.

Which type of basil is healthiest?

The Healthiest 18 Types Of Basil for Cooking and Medicinal Uses

• Genovese Basil. This basil variety is used in several Italian dishes. …
• Thai Basil. Thai basil as an intensive strong flavor. …
• Napoletano Basil. …
• Dark Opal Basil. …
• Christmas Basil. …
• Lemon Basil. …
• Lettuce Leaf Basil. …
• Lime Basil.

Which basil is used in pizza?

Sweet, Italian Large Leaf, Napoletano, and Genovese Basil are all popular choices to top a pizza or season pizza sauces. However, almost any form of culinary basil can be used with a bit of practice.

Is it OK to eat basil leaves?

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 ).

Can you freeze fresh basil?

Simply chop leaves, stuff them into ice cube trays, cover with cold water, and freeze. The frozen basil bits will turn black as soon as they thaw, but they will still taste like basil. Frozen basil cigars are a great way to store basil with large leaves that can hold up to brief blanching.

Is basil good for high blood pressure?

Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies.