Dark Opal basil is aromatic, bearing a spice-forward, clove-like scent, and the leaves have a sweet, savory, and earthy flavor with notes of anise, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and mint.
What is dark opal basil used for?
While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor, Dark Opal Basil is also very ornamental in the garden. A popular herb for growing at home, both in gardens and containers, it can be used for tomato sauce, spaghetti, stews, fish, vinegars and salads. All-America Selections winner (1962).
Is dark opal basil edible?
Dark Opal Basil is an annual herb that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. The fragrant oval deep purple leaves which emerge burgundy in spring are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a delicious taste.
What is the best tasting basil?
The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups.
What variety of basil is the sweetest?
Sweet Basil
Varieties include Genovese, Napoletano, Italian Large Leaf and Lettuce Leaf. Plants range from 14 to 30 inches tall and are prolific in hot, sunny locations. Harvest the top four leaves often to keep the plant growing and sweetly flavored.
Does dark opal basil come back every year?
There are a few varieties of purple basil, but all are cultivars of the same basil plant, which is a true annual. Therefore purple basil grows from seed and die again all in one season, and do not return year after year.
What can I do with opal basil?
Dark Opal basil leaves have a fragrant aroma and mild taste best suited for flavoring both fresh and cooked preparations. The purple leaves can be lightly torn or crushed and tossed into green salads, used whole as an edible garnish on fruit and cheese platters, or roughly chopped and mixed into pasta and stir-fries.
How tall does dark opal basil grow?
about 18 inches tall
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting:
Plants can grow up to about 18 inches tall. Pinch off any flowers that show up on the basil to help keep up the production of new leaves.
Does purple basil taste the same as green?
Purple Basil
As its name suggests, this type of basil isn’t green like most herbs. It’s a vibrant purple color with larger-than-normal leaves. It’s not as sweet as other basil varieties, and it has a strong clove flavor.
What is the most popular basil?
Sweet Basil
Also called Sweet Basil or Sweet Genovese, Genovese Basil is the most common variety and what you’ll find in those plastic packages at the supermarket. The oval-shaped leaves are about two to three inches long and have a strong aroma and peppery flavor.
Which basil is used in pasta?
Italian Large Leaf
Italian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto. This variety offers a strong flavor for a robust fullness. When using fresh basil to prepare pesto, crush the leaves first to release the flavor, then add them to the olive oil.
What is the best basil for cooking?
Sweet Basil
It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.
What is the healthiest basil?
Which basil is the healthiest? The healthiest basil is sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, Napoletano basil, dark opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, lettuce leaf basil, and Holy basil. These varieties are commonly used in daily meals and medicinal uses.
What type of basil is used in pizza?
To add fresh basil to a frozen pizza, you can use chiffonade basil. This type of basil is thinly sliced and will oxidize when exposed to high heat. After the pizza is baked, add a fresh basil leaf to the top of the pizza. Then, you can add the rest of the herbs.
Why does my sweet basil taste like licorice?
Why does my basil smell like licorice? The smell of licorice comes from a chemical compound called anethole, which is also present in anise. It is also found in fennel. Anethole is present in some varieties of basil, giving it a distinct smell and flavor.
How long will a basil plant live?
Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost. Before the weather turns, take steps to preserve your plant for the next year.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
A: Yes, basil tea is a healthy and refreshing beverage that will uplift your mood with added health benefits. Basil contains vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, and essential oils. Plus, it has the goodness of antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause harm to our body in various ways.
What do you do with basil in the winter?
Should you keep the basil indoors during the winter?
- Step 1: Place your basil inside a greenhouse or a room in your home.
- Step 2: Move your basil to the kitchen.
- Step 1: Shift to artificial light sources in the darker winter months.
- Step 2: Keep the soil warm and drained from excess of water.
Where is opal basil from?
Dark opal basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), developed by John Scarchuk and Joseph Lent at the University of Connecticut in the 1950s. With deep purple, sometimes mottled leaves, it is grown as much for its decorative appeal as for its culinary value.
Is purple basil carcinogenic?
Purple basil has been reported to have a higher total phenolic acid content and greater antioxidant activity than green basil, based on its anthocyanin content (which gives the plant its purple color). This might translate into higher anti-cancer activity, although there is little available research on this topic.
Is purple basil good eating?
Purple Basil is great for…
Purple Basil leaves have a beautiful, coppery glow and clove-like, slightly spicy flavour. Use them in salads, for pesto or preserved in oils and vinegars.