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.
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.
This is a spicy and hearty basil variety that stands out. 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.
What is the best type of Basil to buy?
Sweet basil is probably the most common varieties of basil very popular in pestos, salads, and marinades. When you find basil in the grocery store , it will most often be the sweet basil variety. Sweet basil is a medium green color with a rounded cup-shaped leaf. Sweet basil has been known to repel mosquitos.
What does Basil taste like?
Basil is an annual herb that is most often green in color. It has a fragrant, sweet smell and peppery taste. Basil leaves are large, somewhat delicate, and have a smooth texture marked with a series of veins; they are the prime part of the plant used in cooking. It’s an easy herb to grow at home and a common addition to kitchen gardens.
You may be wondering “What does common basil taste like?”
You see, 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.).
What does Basil taste like and how to cook with it?
It can taste bitter when consumed raw, so it’s best to cook with this type of basil. 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.
What is the scientific name of Basil?
Basil, ( Ocimum basilicum ), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
Another question we ran across in our research was “What is holy basil?”.
Basil is an important medicinal plant in various traditional and folk systems of medicines, such as those in Southeast Asia and India. Holy basil is usually referred to as tulsi in India and is actually considered a sacred herb .
This begs the query “What is Basil used for?”
It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces. Basil is an annual herb that is most often green in color.