Basil the Fragrant Herb
Basil is one of the world’s most beloved herbs, celebrated for its sweet, aromatic flavour and versatility in global cooking.
Table of content
How Does Basil Taste?
What’s the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil?
When should I add basil while cooking?
How do you store fresh basil?
Basil
Ocimum Basilicum
What is Basil?
Basil is one of the world’s most versatile herbs, central to cuisines ranging from Italian to Thai. Its bright, fragrant leaves bring freshness and complexity to both raw and cooked dishes.
Fresh basil is typically added at the end of cooking or used raw to preserve its delicate flavour, while dried basil offers a more subdued earthiness.
Beyond its culinary uses, basil has long been associated with medicinal and spiritual traditions, believed to aid digestion, reduce stress, and even ward off negativity. The herb’s essential oils make it a natural antioxidant and preservative, further cementing its role in kitchens around the globe.
Facts about Basil
Flavour & Taste
Basil has a sweet, aromatic flavour with hints of pepper, anise, and clove that bring a fresh, vibrant lift to dishes. Its bright, herbaceous notes add a lively, fragrant quality that pairs beautifully with tomatoes, cheeses, and olive oil.
Where Does Basil Come From?
Basil is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa but is now cultivated worldwide. It thrives in warm climates and is especially associated with Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece, as well as India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where different varieties are central to local cuisines.
Popular Varieties of Basil
Sweet basil
Ocimum basilicum
The most common type, used in Italian cooking.
Genovese basil
Prized for making pesto, with large, tender leaves and a rich aroma.
Thai basil
Spicier, with an anise-like flavour, used widely in Southeast Asian dishes.
Holy basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Sacred in Hindu tradition, with a peppery, clove-like taste.
Lemon basil
Citrus-scented, bright, and refreshing, often used in salads and teas.
FAQ
How Does Basil Taste?
Basil is sweet, slightly peppery, and aromatic, with hints of clove and anise.
What’s the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil?
Sweet basil is mild and used in Italian dishes, while Thai basil has a spicier, anise-like flavour common in Southeast Asian cooking.
When should I add basil while cooking?
Add fresh basil at the end of cooking or use it raw to preserve its delicate aroma. Dried basil can be added earlier for a deeper, earthy note.
How do you store fresh basil?
Keep basil at room temperature in water like fresh flowers, or refrigerate loosely wrapped in a damp towel. Avoid sealing it airtight — it bruises easily.
Recipe Idea
Classic Pesto Genovese
Blend together 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ½ cup of pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, and ½ cup of olive oil until smooth.
Season with salt to taste,
Toss with pasta, spread on bread, or drizzle over grilled vegetables.