Physical description 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.
How would you describe the taste of basil?
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.
What is basil description?
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 basil smells like?
4 issue of the journal PLoS ONE, provides a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme basil Eugenol Synthase frozen in mid-action as it produces eugenol, the fragrant molecule responsible for basil’s spicy overtones reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.
What does basil taste and smell like?
Regular basil has a sweet and savory taste profile with peppery and minty undertones. Some also say it has a hint of anise. Additionally, basil has a clove-like and slightly sweet aroma. You will instantly think of pesto the moment you smell its leaves.
What are some fun facts about basil?
Native to Africa and Southern India, basil is a sacred herb in the Hindu tradition and used in burial ceremonies in both India and Egypt. The name basil comes from the Greek work “basileus” or “king”. It is also attributed to the word “basilisk” a legendary dragon who could slay a person with just one glance.
What is basil best used for?
Basil is a fresh herb that makes the flavor in several iconic dishes, and it’s a perfect backup character in others. You can add it to pizza, pasta, sauces, cocktails, and salads to add a burst of peppery, fresh flavor. Here are the top 10 ways to use basil in your cooking!
What does basil look like?
The leaves of common sweet basil have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long. The leaves often have a slight curve downward with a slightly bumpy or grooved appearance along the veins in the leaves. Like the branches, the leaves grow in pairs opposite of one an other.
Is basil a soft herb?
They are the herbs that are added at the beginning of cooking. ‘Soft’ herbs such as basil, coriander, thyme, tarragon, dill, marjoram and parsley are added at the end of cooking to finish off the dish.
Is basil a spice or herb?
Basil, rosemary, and parsley are often found in a kitchen’s spice rack but actually qualify as herbs because they are aromatic leaves. Spices tend to be stronger in flavor than herbs, because they are made from crushed portions of plants that are especially rich in essential oils.
Does basil smell like mint?
Flavor & Odor
As for basil – a widely loved herb, you can expect a sweet and savory flavor profile with hints of pepper, clove, anise, and even mint.
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.
What does basil go 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.
Does basil smell spicy?
Ah, pesto… Basil is a delicious herb, when used in cooking – and a delicious, aromatic fragrance note, too, with a green, slightly sharp and spicy edge that lends itself really well to men’s scents. In ancient Arabic perfumery, basil was known as ‘the king of the fragrant plants’.
Can you eat basil raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
Does basil have a peppery taste?
Full of flavor and wonderfully aromatic, basil, Ocimum basilicum, is one of the easiest herbs to grow. Its pungent, peppery taste with a hint of licorice makes it popular in a variety of cuisines. This member of the mint, or Lamiaceae family is an annual herb grown for its flavorful leaves.
What are three facts about basil?
Here are some cool things and facts:
- Basil is native to tropical Asia and belongs to the mint family.
- Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, it has a sweet aroma with a warm flavor with notes of clove and anise.
- Store it in a glass of water at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Does basil have a fruit?
Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers.
How many types of basil are there?
BasilLower classifications
Why is basil used in cooking?
Basil is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is especially popular in Italian cooking. It is added to the majority of tomato-based sauces for pasta, offering a sweet and pungent flavour, and is also one of the main ingredients of the olive oil and herb pasta sauce “pesto”.
Should you cook basil?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.