Thai cuisine utilises three main type of basil: Thai basil, holy basil, and lemon basil. A fourth less common basil is tree basil.
What variety is Thai basil?
Thai basil has small, narrow leaves, purple stems, and pink-purple flowers.
…
| Thai basil | |
|---|---|
| Species | Ocimum basilicum |
| Variety | Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora |
Is Thai Basil the same as regular basil?
The main difference between Thai basil and holy basil is their flavor. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery.
Is Thai basil purple basil?
Thai basil is strong and bold, with a spicy, licorice-like flavor. The leaves are smaller and pointier, and the plant produces beautiful purple flowers. This type of basil holds up well to high-temperature cooking, so don’t be afraid to add it to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
What type of basil is used in pho?
Thai basil is an optional ingredient in Vietnamese pho. Along with bean sprouts, lime wedges and chopped Asian chili, Thai basil is always included in the plate of garnishing that is provided with the bowl of pho (except for the Pho Bac or northern pho variety.)
Can I grow Thai basil indoors?
A cousin of the commonly grown sweet basil, Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum) is becoming a popular herb grown in home gardens as culinary tastes expand. Like so many other herb specimens it is easy to grow inside as long as its basic sunlight and temperature requirements are met.
Can you eat Thai basil?
Thai basil is wonderful eaten raw, slivered, and added to salads, both your plain old cucumber-tomato salad or something meaty like northern Thai larb. But its hardy leaves stand up especially well to cooking—their flavor infuses readily into food and the leaves don’t wilt quite as much as Italian sweet basil’s would.
What is the best substitute for basil?
Best basil substitute
- Oregano. The best substitute for basil? Oregano. Keep in mind: the flavor profile is not the same! …
- Tarragon. The next best substitute for basil? Tarragon. …
- Mint. The last substitute for basil: mint! Like both oregano and tarragon, the flavor profile is not the same.
Can we eat basil leaves Raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What is the difference between Thai basil and lemon basil?
Sweet basil has that classic spicy clove flavor that is essential to so many dishes, including pesto. But, Thai basil is also delicious and adds a burst of licorice to curries and stir-fries, and lemon or lime basil has a fresh citrus fragrance and mild lemony flavor so good in tea, marinades, and salad dressings.
Can I substitute Thai basil for Italian basil?
What is Thai basil, and can you use Italian basil in its place? … Italian basil is an acceptable substitute in dishes with many other strong flavors, such as our Three-Cup Chicken, but Thai basil is worth seeking out for dishes such as Vietnamese spring rolls, where spicy flavor and sturdy texture are key elements.
What is the difference between purple basil and sweet basil?
Purple basil has a striking dark burgundy color that provides excellent contrast in the herb garden. The flavor is not as sweet as some basil varieties with a stronger clove taste. Highly aromatic, purple basil can be steeped in vinegar or oil to add beautiful color to your dishes.
What is normal basil called?
The most common basil is ‘Genovese basil’ (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. The two names are interchangeable.
Is marua and basil same?
( Niazbo / marua) It is different from Tulsi. … Which is commonly called as sacred basil. Both belong to family Lamiaceae. Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym Ocimum sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, tulasi (sometimes spelled thulasi) or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae.
What herb do they serve with pho?
Herbs and Vegetables Commonly Served with Pho
- Bean Sprouts. Vietnamese bean sprouts have a long white root and a yellow stem. …
- Thai Basil. Thai basil is different than it’s sweet Italian cousin. …
- Spearmint. …
- Culantro Leaves. …
- Thai Chile or Serrano Peppers. …
- Rice Paddy Herbs.