What are the different types of basil?

Review our list of 15 types of basil and select a new one to try in your garden this year.

• Sweet Basil.
• Genovese Basil.
• Thai Sweet Basil.
• Purple Basil.
• Lemon Basil.
• Lime Basil.
• Lettuce Basil.
• Green Ruffles.

What is the most common type of basil?

Sweet 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 type of basil is best for cooking?

Sweet Basil



It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.

What is the best tasting 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.

What is the difference between sweet basil and Genovese basil?

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 basil is the healthiest?

Which basil is the healthiest? The healthiest basil is sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, Napoletano basil, dark opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, lettuce leaf basil, and Holy basil. These varieties are commonly used in daily meals and medicinal uses.

Which basil is the sweetest?

The most common basil is ‘Genovese basil‘ (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. The two names are interchangeable.

Which basil is used in pasta?

Dark Opal Basil



Beautiful and spicy in a salad or garnish, it can also be made into pesto, which adds an unexpected color and flavor to your pasta or bruschetta. The plants are attractive in the herb garden, ranging from 14 to 20 inches in height with purple stems, flower and leaves.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.

What type of basil is used in Italian cooking?

Sweet Basil

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 smells best?

Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)



Also called Mexican basil, this type of common basil produces strong cinnamon-scented foliage. The leaves are smaller than sweet basil and the bright purple stems and flowers make it a standout in the garden or bouquets.

What type of basil is used in pesto?

Italian Large Leaf Basil

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.

What is the mildest basil?

Basil Types: A Complete Guide On 30 Types Of Basil 20224,8

Is sweet basil the same as 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.

Where is basil most commonly used?

This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries. Ingredients that are complimented by the addition of basil include meats like chicken and beef, olive oil, eggs, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

What’s the difference between Thai basil and Italian basil?

The basil that you’re more likely to recognize at the grocery store is most likely Italian sweet basil. It’s got a shinier finish and has much more round leaves that tend to be a little more floppy and delicate. In terms of taste, Thai basil smells like anise and has a more licorice smell with a slightly spicy taste.

What kind of basil is used in Italian cooking?

Sweet Basil

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 in pasta?

Dark Opal Basil



Beautiful and spicy in a salad or garnish, it can also be made into pesto, which adds an unexpected color and flavor to your pasta or bruschetta. The plants are attractive in the herb garden, ranging from 14 to 20 inches in height with purple stems, flower and leaves.

What do Italians call sweet basil?

A plant whose sweet-smelling leaves are often used as a herb in Italian cooking is basilico (masculine, plural basilichi), which is the word for basil.