Thai Basil has a distinct licorice or some say aniseed flavor. Holy Basil has a peppery, with a hint of clove taste.
Is holy basil and Thai basil the same?
Holy basil is another type of basil native to Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to confuse it with Thai basil, as it’s sometimes referred to as “Thai holy basil.” But the two actually belong to different species — holy basil belongs to the Ocimum tenuiflorum species, and Thai basil belongs to the Ocimum basilicum species.
What does holy basil taste like?
All varieties of Holy Basil are astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, or lemon. Rama has a flavor profile that is more spicy or clove-like, while the Vana variety is more fragrant and sweet, with an anise taste.
Is Thai holy basil spicy?
A type of basil native to Southeast Asia and its cuisines, Thai basil is savory, spicy, and anise-like, adding a distinct pungency to dishes. It’s a vibrant, irreplaceable addition in many dishes, providing the herbaceous and savory notes that round out a dish.
What is Thai holy basil used for?
Holy basil is sometimes called “hot basil” because of its peppery taste. Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling. They also might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Holy basil oil might act as an antioxidant.
Can I eat Thai basil raw?
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.
How spicy is Thai basil?
Thai basil has a mildly spicy licorice or anise seed flavor. Sweet basil (also known as Italian basil) tastes sweet and peppery.
What are the side effects of holy basil?
Side effects of holy basil also include upset stomach. You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar.
Research on animals shows that holy basil may:
- Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans)
- Promote bleeding.
- Decrease fertility.
What is the difference between holy basil and regular basil?
Regular genovese basil and holy basil are two different species basil that differ for: 1) appareance of leaves shape and flowers 2) taste, stronger for holy basil 3) recipes available and 4) lifespan of the two herbs. Genovese basil is more versatile than holy basil in recipes. Now you know that they are different.
Can I use Thai basil instead of sweet basil?
Can you substitute Thai basil for sweet basil? Not really. The strong anise flavor of Thai basil makes it incomparable to sweet basil in terms of flavor.
Can you use Thai basil in spaghetti sauce?
Melt butter in the pot. Once it’s frothy, add the chickpea mixture and let it bubble away for about 7 minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, add Thai basil and cook for just a minute. Add the cooked pasta, toss to coat, and that’s it.
What is similar to Thai basil?
Some recipes call for Thai basil, a pungent variety that can be hard to find in grocery stores. To duplicate its flavor, use common “Italian” basil and add a few fresh mint sprigs to the recipe.
What can I replace Thai basil with?
Italian Basil
Thai basil and Italian basil belong to the same family, so you can use Italian basil as a Thai Basil Substitute, and the flavor will not change much. Sweet Italian basil has a milder taste, so you have to add a higher amount of Italian basil to get the same flavor.
Can holy basil make you dizzy?
Eugenol, the active ingredient in Holy Basil can cause an overdose if you take too much. Beware of symptoms related to overdoses such as shallow breathing, blood in the urine or sputum, mouth and throat burns, nausea, racing heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, and coma.
Does holy basil raise blood pressure?
Can holy basil lower blood pressure? Preliminary studies show holy basil normalizes blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid (cholesterol) levels.
Does holy basil make you sleepy?
Because of its calming effects, you may be wondering if holy basil can make you sleepy or reduce your energy, but in fact, holy basil does neither. Consuming the herb just helps you maintain balance, so you feel good during the day, and ready to rest by the time you hit the pillow.
Can you eat too much Thai basil?
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).
Can you use Thai basil for tea?
Conclusion. Thai basil has a lot to deliver when it comes to flavor. Its unique and powerful aroma can really heighten a dish’s flavor. Not to mention, it can be used for so many recipes, from stir fry to tea.
Is basil good for weight loss?
Basil seeds are very rich in fiber which promotes the feeling of fullness and reduces hunger pangs. This makes them great weight-loss food. In addition to that, high-fiber foods are also helpful in regulating bowel movements.
Does Thai basil taste like mint?
Different kinds of basil will boast slightly varied taste features. For example, Thai flavor will lean more on the anise, spicy, and licorice side, while sweet basil will be fresh, peppery, and a bit minty.
Can you eat Thai basil stems?
If you do have an excess of basil, catch it before it’s too late and blend it into a classic pesto, or chop and freeze in ice cube trays to add to dishes at a later date. As with any soft herbs, the stalks are edible and delicious, too, and will add depth of flavour to all kinds of dishes.