As we settled into our new homestead, my husband and I decided to revamp our herb garden, which brought back memories of our previous gardening endeavors. This time around, we faced a different scenario – arriving later in the growing season than usual. We had two options: either start seeds again for next year’s harvest or purchase established plants from a nursery. We opted for the latter, eager to enjoy our annual herbs and perennial favorites this season.
Little did I know, my eyes would widen at the sheer variety of Basil on display – a far cry from our initial sweet Basil only setup. This experience prompted me to explore the different Basil varieties I’ve come across, and I’m excited to share my findings with you. By doing so, I hope to inspire you to experiment and expand your own herb garden repertoire.
Here are the Different Types of Basil:
Sweet Basil
For many, the foundation of basil varieties is Sweet Basil, a classic choice for its versatility and familiar flavor profile. This beloved herb is often used to add depth and warmth to tomato sauces, pesto, soups, and Italian seasonings – just as I do. If you’re looking to stick with what you know and love, this variety is an excellent starting point. Its sun-loving nature means it thrives in full-sun locations, making it a great option for those who can provide the perfect amount of warmth.
Genovese Basil
Sweet Basil, commonly used in pesto and Italian cooking, is a variety that remains true to its classic form with this specific strain. Its characteristic look and taste are maintained, making it an excellent choice for incorporating into a range of dishes. Notably, the Genovese type stands out due to its unique flat and pointed shape, setting it apart from traditional sweet basil varieties. Furthermore, this variety boasts a more pronounced aroma, elevating its versatility in the kitchen.
Napoletano Basil
Sweet Basil’s spicy sibling, also known as via Root Simple, is another popular variation that still maintains the classic basil taste, albeit with a slightly fierier flavor profile. Its unique twist makes it an excellent candidate for pesto recipes, offering a similar yet more dynamic experience to traditional sweet basil. For those seeking a bit of added excitement in their culinary endeavors, this variety is definitely worth exploring.
Italian Large Leaf Basil
High Mowing Organic Seeds offers an exceptional type of basil, renowned for its sweeter aroma and flavor profile compared to Genovese basil. This distinctive variety is perfect for culinary enthusiasts with a sweet tooth, as it can be used to create an array of dishes typically reserved for other sweet basil varieties. Its unique characteristics make it an excellent addition to any cooking repertoire.
Lettuce Leaf Basil
Rare Seeds offers our final and largest sweet basil variety, which stands out as one of the most productive due to its generous size. This exceptional strain is perfect for creating rich pesto or infusing olive oil with its robust flavor. Imagine dipping crusty bread into a fragrant oil infused with this aromatic herb – it’s a culinary delight!
Dark Opal Basil
This enchanting seed bank boasts a rare and intriguing variety of basil, distinguished by its striking dark hue. As you read on, we hope to inspire you to think beyond the traditional uses of herbs, and consider incorporating them into your floral arrangements or garden designs. This unique basil has the added benefit of being a vibrant addition to both bouquets and outdoor spaces.
Purple Ruffles Basil
Similar in many ways to the dark opal basil, the ruffled basil variety boasts a unique characteristic that sets it apart – its textured leaves. While it shares the same striking color profile, the ruffled texture adds an extra layer of visual interest. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for adding a pop of color and unique flair to flower arrangements or as a garnish on your favorite dishes.
Its eye-catching appearance is sure to turn heads and elevate the overall presentation of any culinary creation.
Lemon Basil
A more widely available option, this variety of basil can be easily found at major home improvement stores and nurseries. Its appearance is reminiscent of traditional basil, but its distinct lemon flavor sets it apart. This citrusy twist makes it an excellent addition to a range of dishes, including salads and fish recipes.
For those who appreciate the bright taste of lemon in their iced tea, adding a leaf or two of lemon basil can provide a natural and flavorful alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Lime Basil
While lime basil shares a similar appearance with traditional varieties of basil, its flavor profile is distinctively different. Unlike lemon basil, which infuses dishes with a bright citrus taste, lime basil brings a zesty and refreshing lime flavor to the table. This unique characteristic makes it an excellent choice for accompanying fish or chicken recipes. Additionally, its versatility extends to the world of mixology, where it can be used to create a vibrant lime basil infused syrup.
This sweet and tangy concoction is perfect for adding a twist to your favorite tea or margarita. Moreover, lime basil’s compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for small spaces, allowing you to enjoy its flavorful benefits without requiring extensive gardening expertise.
Christmas Basil
Christmas and memories of joy are often intertwined, making the name ‘Burpee’ fittingly cheerful. The real excitement, however, lies in the unique fruity flavor this basil variety has to offer. Its taste is what makes it an excellent choice for adding a twist to salads or refreshing drinks, leaving you eager to indulge in its deliciousness.
Holy Basil
According to Healthline, the history behind Holy Basil’s name is rooted in deep respect within the Hindu religion, where it’s referred to as Sacred or Holy Basil. This reverence may also shift your perspective once you discover its remarkable health benefits. For instance, drinking a tea made with this basil can be a simple yet effective way to boost your immune system. The best part?
You’ll not only be enjoying a flavorful beverage but also reaping the rewards of a plant that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Greek Basil
For those with limited space or container gardening enthusiasts, Greek basil is an excellent choice. Unlike some other varieties that can grow quite tall, this type of basil only reaches about 8 inches in height, making it perfect for smaller gardens or compact planters. Despite its smaller size, Greek basil retains its flavorful and aromatic properties, making it a great addition to salads, meat dishes, soups, and even as a garnish or ornamental element.
Spicy Globe Basil
For those seeking a more compact yet flavorful basil option, this petite variety is an excellent choice. Its slightly spicier taste makes it perfect for adding a kick to soups, salads, and pasta dishes. If you’re looking to grow a smaller yet potent basil in your container garden, this variety’s unique flavor profile and compact growth habit make it an attractive option.
Summerlong Basil
This compact dwarf basil boasts a unique advantage: it matures significantly earlier than its counterparts, taking only 30-60 days to produce after planting. Its slow bolting nature is another significant plus. Moreover, this variety is particularly well-suited for container gardening due to its naturally bushy growth habit. The result is a charming and compact display of fresh basil that thrives in even the smallest spaces.
Spicy Bush Basil
While not as sprawling as other varieties, ‘Basil Bush’ packs a flavorful punch despite its compact stature. This smaller basil option thrives in containers, making it an ideal choice for gardeners with limited space. But don’t underestimate its culinary capabilities – it’s more than capable of adding depth and zest to a variety of dishes, from savory sauces to heartwarming soups.
Cinnamon Basil
This popular basil variety stands out from the classic sweet basil in its unique characteristics, while still being recognizable to many gardeners. Its widespread availability at major retailers like big box nurseries and home improvement stores makes it easily accessible. The key feature that sets this variety apart is its spicy flavor profile and sweet aroma.
As a versatile choice, it can be used for creative purposes such as adding visual appeal to flower arrangements, serving as a garnish, or pairing well with fruit-based dishes.
Sweet Thais Basil
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional basil, rare seeds offer an Asian variety that boasts a bold flavor profile unlike any other. This spicier option is perfect for those who crave something with a little extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some excitement to your culinary creations, this variety of basil is definitely worth considering.
Green Ruffles
The charm of this basil variety lies in its evocative name, which effortlessly conjures up the image of a lush, compact plant adorned with delicate green leaves. While it’s understandable that one might get caught up in the whimsical appeal of this herb, it’s worth noting that its mild flavor profile also makes it an excellent choice for pasta dishes. Additionally, its unique ruffled texture adds a visually striking element to salads, allowing it to serve as more than just a flavorful addition.
Ararat
While sharing the name with a location near my home, I’d like to emphasize that this type of basil is exceptional for cooking and offers additional versatility. Its sweet flavor profile, subtly accented by hints of licorice, makes it an attractive choice not only for culinary purposes but also as a decorative element or a thoughtful addition to floral arrangements.
Cardinal Basil
Genesis Seeds Ltd. offers the Cardinal Basil variety, which stands out due to its vibrant red flowers. However, this strain’s utility extends beyond mere aesthetics. Its pungent flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for incorporating into vinegars and oils, where its bold taste can add depth and complexity.
African Blue Basil
The majestic ‘Sweet Basil’ variety stands out among its peers, boasting a towering height of up to 4 feet tall. Its perennial nature is another distinguishing feature, allowing it to thrive year after year as long as it avoids freezing temperatures. This versatile herb’s beauty makes it an excellent addition to flower arrangements, while its culinary applications are just as impressive – perfect for elevating rice dishes, meat dishes, and vegetable dishes alike.
With 21 varieties of basil now under our belt, the possibilities for flavoring, decorating, and gardening have expanded exponentially. We’d love to hear from you! Which basil variety do you prefer? How do you like to use it in cooking? Share your experiences with us and let’s continue to grow this knowledge together.
