Clove basil is highly aromatic, offering a clove-like scent with a hint of thyme and cinnamon.
| Main Dish | |
|---|---|
| Genius Kitchen | Clove Basil Beef Stew |
Is basil related to clove?
Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum.
Ocimum gratissimum.
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
Why does my basil plant smell like cloves?
Scented clove basil is a thai basil variety which has a smell of cloves and mint. It is a lovely addition to any meal and leaves a lingering smell in your garden. Can be used in jams, jellies and herbals teas. This type of basil is also known as Himalayan basil, Clove basil, and Tree basil.
What is clove basil?
Clove Basil Overview
Ocimum gratissimum is a larger than average basil variety, hence the nickname, Tree Basil. It is also known by the name African basil. This plant is very aromatic, the oils in the leaves give off an intense clove aroma with the occasional notes of Thyme.
How can you tell if something is basil?
Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in colour from white to magenta.
What is basil related to?
Basil is called by many names like sweet basil or even Thai basil, but all of its common names refer to the herb’s botanical name, Ocimum basilicum. Basil is a member of the large mint family, or Lamiaceae family, along with other culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, and even lavender.
Why does my basil smell like cinnamon?
Basil can often smell like cinnamon. That is because of a certain chemical compound named methyl cinnamate, which is found in some varieties of basil. Methyl cinnamate is a white or transparent solid substance that has a strong aroma which is the smell of cinnamon.
Can basil smell like cloves?
Scented clove basil is a thai basil variety which has a smell of cloves and mint. It is a lovely addition to any meal and leaves a lingering smell in your garden. Can be used in jams, jellies and herbals teas. This type of basil is also known as Himalayan basil, Clove basil, and Tree basil.
What should basil smell like?
What a tough question. I find fresh basil (assuming you mean typical sweet basil, not Thai) to be extremely aromatic with a scent of pepper, anise, and mint. The taste is sweet, but savory, and just like the smell it is peppery yet ever so slightly minty.
Why does my basil smell like aniseed?
The smell of licorice is attributed to a chemical compound present in both licorice and anise known as anethole. Anethole can be found in fennel as well. Certain basil varieties have this compound which gives them their distinct smell and flavor, often described as either like licorice and anise.
How do you use clove basil?
The intense, clove-like flavor pairs well with meats and vegetables and is a suitable substitute for thyme in poultry dishes. The sweet-spicy taste is a great addition to soups, stews, or sauces and can even be used in salads. It is best to tear Clove basil leaves as they will bruise and darken when cut with a knife.
Can you overdose on basil?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Where do cloves come from?
Cloves. Cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree. An evergreen native to Indonesia and India that grows from eight to twelve meters in height, the clove tree produces flower buds in clusters that are pale in color at first, become green, and then bright red, when they are ready for harvesting.
What herb looks like basil?
Many herbs have a very similar leaf structure, especially if the plant is not too developed. Another herb that has a look-alike cousin is oregano.
Herb Identification A – D.
| Basil | Bay Laurel |
|---|---|
| Chives | Cilantro |
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, basil leaves can be consumed raw as long as they are well sanitized before consumption. You can consume them along with other salad leaves or with tomato and cheese, it is a good combination, it depends on your creativity and your taste.
How does basil look like?
Common sweet basil, sometimes also known as Genovese basil or Italian basil, has shiny, vibrant green leaves that are a similar color to mint leaves. They are an oblong oval shape, coming to a pointed tip at the end farthest from the stem, and curving downwards towards the ground to create a slightly puckered look.
What does basil do for your body?
Having antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. It also helps in the prevention and cure of diseases like cancer, diabetes and other heart conditions. Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils.
What did basil symbolize?
Basil is one tasty little plant, but it’s suffered a symbolism identity crisis over the years. Originally meaning “hate,” it later became embraced as a symbol of love. During the Victorian era Sweet Basil conveyed “good wishes” to the receiver. In Italy, a man who accepted basil from a woman was destined to marry her.
What was basil originally used for?
Basil has been around for over 4,000 years. Throughout history, basil was believed to have almost magical powers. It was used as an antidote for snake bites, and was believed to give strength during religious fasting. It was found in mummies in Egypt because the ancient Egyptians used this herb for embalming.
What is the difference between Italian basil and sweet basil?
Genovese basil has leaves that are slightly larger than sweet basil; further, they are flatter and come to a point. It is more aromatic than sweet basil and has dark green, shiny leaves. The taste of Genovese basil has been described as having hints of mint and clove while at the same time being peppery and spicy.
Which basil does not taste like licorice?
But setting looks aside, Thai basil is spicy with an anise, or licorice-like flavor, while sweet basil has a more mild peppery and sweet taste (for reference, sweet basil is commonly used as a main ingredient in Genovese-style pesto).