The flowers and stems are absolutely edible. The stems are like cilantro stems in that they have a lot of flavor of the herb but are not as prized for their texture as the leaves.
Which part of Thai basil is edible?
Thai Basil leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible and offer a bold flavor with spicy-sweet notes of anise and black licorice.
Are basil stems toxic?
While all basil stems are technically edible (they’re not harmful), they become thick, woody and bitter near the bottom of the plant, and are quite unappetizing and even difficult to chew.
Can you eat the stems of basil plant?
While stems are too tough to use in a recipe that calls for leaves (and can be a little bitter), they make a good addition to soups, sauces and more. One option is to cut them fine and stir them into rice or couscous along with some butter and a little bit of salt.
Can you eat the purple part of Thai basil?
All basil flowers are edible.
Are you supposed to eat Thai basil?
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.
Should I let my Thai basil flower?
Check your basil plants frequently for flowers, and if you see any, pinch them off right away. If the flower stems are too woody to pinch (often the case with Thai basil), cut them off with shears. A plant allowed to flower will soon go to seed, stop growing, and die, so be vigilant about removing flowers.
Can you do anything with basil stems?
Salads. Raw basil stems can be sliced thin and easily added to a fresh salad or vinaigrette for an herbaceous pop of flavor. They are also great incorporated into a rustic condiment such as a Thai Nouc Cham, an Italian Salsa Verde, or stirred into a fresh poke or ceviche.
Can you eat all parts of basil?
Safe for Human Consumption. Basil is one of many herbs in which both the flowers and the foliage are edible. Like many pesto enthusiasts, you probably pinch the blooms from your basil plants to encourage lusher leaf growth.
Is there flavor in basil stems?
You’ve been conditioned to think that the remainder of the plant is compost. But the truth is that, while those leaves may be pretty, the stems that they grow on are packed with flavor and shouldn’t go to waste.
Can you use Thai basil after it blooms?
Basil flowers are perfectly edible. In terms of fragrance and flavor, the flowers are similar, if milder, than the leaves. Sometimes, flowers can be somewhat bitter, so test them first. When sprinkled over a salad, basil flowers impart a mild basil flavor and add a decorative touch.
Can basil be toxic?
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.
Can I use basil stems for pesto?
Can you use basil stems in pesto? Absolutely! The great thing about making pesto is that you can use the entire herb in the sauce. If you get a bunch of basil with extra thick stems, you may want to trim those off, as your blender or food processor might not be able to handle them.
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.
What is the difference between Thai basil and normal basil?
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).
What health benefits does Thai basil have?
Research shows that Thai Basil is high in antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, which is why it has been used in traditional healing since centuries ago. Aside from ingesting Thai Basil, you can also bruise the leaves and inhale its aroma to relieve stress.
How do I use fresh Thai basil?
Fresh sprigs of Thai basil can be served with vegetable platters and nibbled on with spicy salads and chili dips. It can also be used in salads, vegetable dishes, or as a popular garnish for soup.
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.
Why is my Thai basil flowering?
Basil produces flowers if they are not pruned regularly. The flowers and leaves are edible and safe to eat. The flowers heads produce seeds which can be collected and grown next years.
When should I prune Thai basil?
You can start trimming your plants in about one month after planting. You may remove single leaves occasionally, however for more thriving growth pinching off the whole tip is recommended – it will grow two new shoots in a week. Cutting and pruning your plant will also delay its flowering.
Does Thai basil regrow after winter?
It won’t perk back up in spring after the winter freeze. It won’t come sprouting back up from the roots. Since basil plants do not survive winter, basil can only be a year round outdoor plant in warm climates where temperatures do not go below freezing.