African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) is a hybrid basil variety, a cross between camphor basil and dark opal basil. It is one of a few types of basil that are perennial. African blue basil plants are sterile, unable to produce seeds of their own, and can only be propagated by cuttings.
What is blue basil used for?
African Blue basil is best suited as a fresh flavoring or finishing garnish. The leaves are popularly blended into pesto, chimichurri sauce, salad dressings, and dips, or they are sprinkled over soups, tossed into salads, or layered over bruschetta.
Is purple basil real?
Ocimum basilicum L., commonly known by many as “purple basil” is an easy-to-grow aromatic herb with a sweet, spicy flavor. There are scores of basil varieties, most of which have green-colored leaves. The Ocimum basilicum earned its nickname “purple basil” from its edible deep purple-colored leaves.
What does Blue basil taste like?
The herb has a strong, earthy basil flavor with a mellow camphor scent. If rosemary and clove had a basil baby, it would be African Blue.
Is African blue basil the same as Thai basil?
Thai basil is the one you find in Asian dishes, where its purple/green leaves give a hint of anise. It’s similar in flavor to African Blue basil, a tender perennial. Both are more camphorous than soft-leaved basils, so most people find the taste inferior.
Can you eat blue basil?
All parts of the flower, leaves and stems are edible; although some might find the camphor scent too strong for use in the kitchen, the herb reportedly yields a tasty pesto with a “rich, mellow flavor” and can be used as a seasoning in soups and salads, particularly those featuring tomato, green beans, chicken, etc.
Can I use African blue basil for cooking?
African blue basil works best with slow-cooked recipes, as the long(er) cooking time allows the flavours to fully develop into the dish. Slow cooking also allows the herb to soften up in texture, but this is more relevant if you are using fresh African blue.
Is Amethyst basil edible?
Soil: Basil likes rich, well-drained soil and will grow best in soil enhanced with well-composted manure. Use: Similar in taste to Genovese Basil, Amethyst is a delicious addition to pesto, sauces, and pizzas.
Is purple basil safe to eat?
Purple Basil is great for…
Purple Basil leaves have a beautiful, coppery glow and clove-like, slightly spicy flavour. Use them in salads, for pesto or preserved in oils and vinegars.
Is purple basil carcinogenic?
Purple basil has been reported to have a higher total phenolic acid content and greater antioxidant activity than green basil, based on its anthocyanin content (which gives the plant its purple color). This might translate into higher anti-cancer activity, although there is little available research on this topic.
How do you grow blue basil?
African blue basil care requires the best conditions; full sun, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients and well-drained, and moderate humidity and soil moisture. This plant can become invasive and spread rapidly in disturbed areas. Take care if growing outside in a region where the conditions are right for it to thrive.
How do you propagate blue basil?
Place Basil Cuttings in Water
Put trimmed and cleaned cuttings in a glass of fresh water. You want to make sure the leaves are hanging out all nice and dry at the top, but that the stem is nicely submerged since that’s where the roots will emerge.
What is blue spice basil?
Blue Spice is the most fragrant basil variety. A strong spicy aroma with vanilla undertones makes this a delicious addition to fruit salad and savory dishes. Dense light purple spiked flowers make for a beautiful addition to any potted arrangement or garden.
What is the healthiest basil?
Which basil is the healthiest? The healthiest basil is sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, Napoletano basil, dark opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, lettuce leaf basil, and Holy basil. These varieties are commonly used in daily meals and medicinal uses.
Why does my basil smell like licorice?
Why Does Basil Smell Like Licorice? Basil smelling like licorice is normal. 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.
Which basil is holy basil?
The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal tea is holy basil — sometimes called tulsi — which is the O. tenuiflorum species,also known as O. sanctum. It is added to some Thai dishes because of its distinct flavor( 1 ).
What does African basil look like?
African blue basil leaves vary in size, depending on how mature the plant is. The leaves are dark purple when they are young, and slowly turn green as they mature, retaining its purple veins. They have long, purple-green stems that have purple buds that bloom lavishly into lavender purple-colored flowers.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
A: Yes, basil tea is a healthy and refreshing beverage that will uplift your mood with added health benefits. Basil contains vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, and essential oils. Plus, it has the goodness of antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause harm to our body in various ways.
Will African blue basil grow in Florida?
And whereas sweet basil is a smallish plant, African blue grows to about 3 feet tall and 3 feet around. And it likes us! It was a Florida Garden Select choice in 2006, which means the Florida Landscape, Growers and Nursery Association thinks it’s a wonderful, Florida-friendly plant.
How do you harvest African blue basil?
Harvesting the leaves and cutting back plants helps the African Blue basil grow. Remove dead flowers and cut stems right above leaves. Cut back tall plants to help thin out thick bushes. At the end of the season, remove all dead foliage and clean up debris from around plants.
Can you use African basil for pesto?
That of African blue basil may have a bit more camphor than other basils, but not enough to dominate its flavor. I enjoy pesto I make from it, and everyone I know who has used it has agreed it makes great pesto.