Basil Leaf Identification

Basil has been used for millennia. In fact, the word basil comes from the ancient Greek word for king. Over the centuries, numerous varieties of basil have been developed. This bushy herb is popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. Sweet basil and Genovese basil are two of the more familiar varieties. However, there are many different varieties of basil, each one with its own distinct look and flavor.

Four Basil Varieties

Basil is a familiar cooking herb. We see it on different culinary creations, in homeopathic remedies and growing in gardens. Dozens of basil varieties exist. However, four commonly used varieties are sweet basil, Genovese basil, lemon basil and Thai basil. Sweet basil and Genovese basil are commonly used in Italian and French cuisine. Lemon basil has Indonesian associations, and Thai basil compliments Vietnamese and Thai cooking. The look of each basil variety is unique.

Sweet Basil

Sweet basil

Sweet basil is one of the most popular varieties used in Western cuisine. Sweet basil has a clove or licorice scent and complement tomatoes well. For this reason, sweet basil often appears in Italian cuisine. Sweet basil leaves are broad and green. They have an oval shape and are not as narrow or pointed as other varieties. Small white flowers appear on sweet basil unless the plant is kept pruned.

Genovese Basil

Genovese basil

Genovese basil is the most popular basil for making pesto. The aroma and flavor of Genovese basil is stronger and more aromatic. This variety has large dark green leaves, similar to sweet basil, but the edges are toothed or ruffled looking. Pink or white flowers that spike out above the rest of the foliage grow on Genovese basil. These flowers are edible, but rarely used in cooking.

Lemon Basil

Lemon basil

Lemon basil derives its name from a strong citrus scent and flavor. It is popular in Indonesian cuisine and is also called Indonesian basil. Lemon basil is also used in many Thai and Laotian recipes. The leaves are green and look similar to sweet basil, but they are a bit narrower and can be a lighter shade of green. Small white flowers bloom on lemon basil.

Thai Basil

Thai basil

Thai basil is native to Thailand, but is also popular in Vietnamese and Laotian cooking. It has an anise or licorice flavor, which has led to the nickname "anise basil." Thai basil leaves are not as large or broad as sweet basil. They are also more pointed. Thai basil leaves grow on a stalk with purple hues. The flowers also have a purple tint; these flowers are edible and used alongside the leaves in many recipes.

References

• Encyclopedia of Spices
• Thai Food and Travel
• Specialty Produce
• Backyard Gardener

Resources

• How to Grow Basil