There is a Thai Basil, often with smaller leaves and a purplish cast to it and several other basils with this anise, licorice smell and taste.
Why does my basil taste like licorice?
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.
What is the flavor that tastes like black licorice?
Anise and Star Anise
In the case of licorice, it’s most often compared to anise or fennel.
Is licorice related to basil?
Licorice basil is a strong, flavorful variety of basil which grows into vibrant green plants with hints of purple on the foliage. A type of Thai basil, these plants are not only beautiful, but reward growers as an immensely fragrant addition to the home garden.
What does basil taste like?
What Does Basil Taste Like? The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.
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).
Why does my basil plant taste like aniseed?
Anethole is present in some varieties of basil, giving it a distinct smell and flavor. It is often described as similar to licorice or anise.
Which herbs have a licorice flavor?
Licorice-Flavored Foods: How Many Can You Name?
- Anise (of course!)
- Star Anise.
- Fennel – bulb, fronds, and seed.
- Basil.
- Chervil.
- Caraway.
- Tarragon.
What spice is like black licorice?
Star Anise
Star Anise. If there’s a spice out there that resembles licorice the most, it’s probably star anise. The similarity between the two is uncanny, which is a pleasant surprise for us. But one thing’s for sure, star anise makes a healthy super spice.
What plant tastes like black licorice?
Anise hyssop is a feast for the senses: beautiful to look at, and you only need to touch the plant to release the fascinating liquorice fragrance. Anise hyssop (botanical name Agastache foeniculum) is a mint-like herb with leaves that taste of aniseed and smell like liquorice.
What basil smells like black licorice?
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.
What can I do with licorice basil?
Licorice Basil is used to add a mild licorice flavor to recipes – it is especially good with fish, in salads, or to flavor candy! Purple spikes make this an attractive as well as a tasty addition to your herb garden!
Is licorice basil the same as Thai basil?
Thai basil may sometimes be called chi neang vorng, anise basil or licorice basil, in reference to its anise- and licorice-like scent and taste, but it is different from the Western strains bearing these same names.
What does old basil taste like?
Additionally, the taste of basil leaves change on the same plant, depending on where the plant is in its lifecycle. Generally, basil leaves taste bitter after they’ve bolted, or flowered and gone to seed.
How would you describe basil?
Basil is an annual herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It has square stems with leaves that grow on opposite sides, and the leaves are rounded, slightly cupped, and curve to form at point at the tip. The leaves are generally light green, although some varieties have reddish or purplish leaves.
What does basil pair well with?
Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.
What is the difference between basil and Thai basil?
Appearance: Thai basil has purple stems, while sweet basil has green stems. The leaves of Thai basil are narrower than sweet basil leaves and have a slightly serrated edge. Sweet basil leaves also tend to be more delicate than sturdy Thai basil leaves.
Is there a difference between basil and sweet basil?
Sweet basil is a sub-type of common basil with milder or licoricey taste. It is the best choice for Italian sauces and soups and for making pesto. Sweet basil leaves can sustain better in high-temperature cooking than common basil, so they are widely used in the South Asian cuisine.
What does sweet basil taste like?
Sweet basil has a fresh flavor, with a finish of black pepper and subtle anise and mint notes. It’s milder than the Thai variety, which has a strong black licorice flavor.
What herbs smell like licorice?
Answer: Anise (Pimpinella anisum), an herb native to the Mediterranean region which has a strong licorice scent and the flowers are like those of the blue hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), a European native with many old world medicinal uses.
Why does basil make my tongue numb?
Sweet basil makes your mouth numb for the same reason cloves (which it smells like), cinnamon, and celery do: it’s the eugenol! Cooking it reduces the effect a lot.