Basil, About the Different Basil Varieties

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Look here if you need help deciding which variety of Basil to grow.

Basil is among the most important and most loved of all culinary herbs because of its great taste and versatility in the kitchen. It is commonly used in salads, sauces, casseroles, and seasonings for meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables. The rule of thumb in my kitchen is that basil is added to anything which contains garlic or tomatoes. It is also the main ingredient in most Pesto recipes.

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All Basils are easy to grow annuals. They prefer full sun and evenly-moist, well drained soil. Basil is a perfect addition to your vegetable garden or can be quite happy in containers on a sunny patio or perched indoors on a windowsill. Most basils grow to 18-24 inches and form a bushy appearance as the leaves are pinched for use. Pinch flowers when they begin to form to keep plants compact and to concentrate the flavor in the leaves. However, if you do neglect to keep the flowers pinched, you can snip the flower stems to make a nice addition to a bouquet or nosegay.

Pantry Garden Herbs carries 12 varieties of basil. The differences are found in the size of the leaves, the colors of the foliage, and the wide variety of flavors ranging from tones of citrus and cloves to exotic flavors of licorice and cinnamon, there are even slightly spicy varieties. Listed below are the particular attributes to each one, we urge you to try several different kinds to broaden your horizons in the garden and your kitchen!

'African Blue' is very attractive in the garden with its small blue flowers. It has a sweet camphor scent and does not go to seed so there is no need to pinch.

'Cinnamon' has white or purple flowers and a wonderful cinnamon scent. Use in teas, fruit salads, and flavored honey, or as an interesting addition to potpourri and sachets.

'Genovese' is often called the "gourmet basil", it has a typical basil flavor but is rich and smooth; its the best for pesto.

'Greek Columnar's' attractive appearance is in the plant's dense columnar shape. It does not flower so the flavor is maintained throughout the year. It can be grown indoors in the winter. This basil has a pungent flavor which is best for stews and hearty dishes.

'Lemon' basil's leaves have a citrus flavor and lemony scented flowers. Delicious in salads, sauces and with chicken. Also used in potpourri.

'Lettuce Leaf' has large ruffled leaves and is great on sandwiches, in pesto, and is a good variety for freezing.

'Red Rubin' is a deep, purple-red basil, which adds vibrant color to the garden and in salads and vinegars.

'Spicy Globe' has tiny leaves and is a more compact plant. It looks great in knot gardens and small pots. It makes a zesty addition to green salads or ricotta cheese. Use sparingly for its small leaves pack quite a punch.

'Sweet' is the most common type of basil it has a lovely clove-like scent. It is excellent in salads, with fish, meats, and in sauces. Especially delicious in Italian, Greek or Thai dishes.

'Thai' has a spicy flavor reminiscent of anise and is commonly found in Thai groceries. This one is similar in appearance to Licorice basil, very ornamental with its purple flower clusters.

Characteristics & Attributes