Basil, Italian Large Leaf (Sweet) It has been a common plant in American kitchen gardens since the late 1700s. The leaves are used fresh to make pesto, and can be dried and used as a seasoning. A favorite of ours in Italian dishes.
Is Italian basil the same as sweet basil?
Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also Italian basil or sweet basil. It’s the basil that you’ll find at your grocery store and on top of your margherita pizzas! It’s often used in Italian dishes.
Is large leaf basil the same as sweet basil?
You can grow one or several of the many types of basil, depending on your location and what you plan to do with the harvest of aromatic leaves. The most common basil is ‘Genovese basil’ (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. The two names are interchangeable.
What is Italian large leaf basil?
Italian Large Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a large plant with medium-dark green leaves up to 4″ long. Basil is a hot weather plant and is very susceptible to frost damage.
Does sweet basil have another name?
The fragrant and popular sweet basil gets its royal status from its name, Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum is from the Greek word okimom, meaning aromatic herb, and basilicum is from the Greek word basileus, meaning king.
What type of basil is sweet basil?
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The essence of summer, sweet basil is the widest grown type of basil. It has rounded, cup-shaped leaves with the classic spicy clove flavor beloved by gardeners and cooks. This type includes common and Genovese basils and is the one to grow if you want plenty of leaves for pesto.
What type of basil is best for Italian cooking?
Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil (Ocimum bacilicum), and its close relativebasilico genovese, are the only varieties used in Italian cooking to avoid the mint flavor common in other types.
What is Italian basil used for?
It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
What type of basil is best for cooking?
Sweet Basil
It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.
What is Italian basil called?
Genovese Basil
The Genovese variety of basil is the classic Italian basil which is characterized by its extra-large and dark green leaves. The Genovese basil, like the sweet basil, is great in pesto dishes but is the more commonly used basil for Italian dishes.
What is large leaf basil used for?
The large, tasty leaves of this variety are very popular for flavoring Italian cuisine. Snip fresh leaves and use them to flavor tomato dishes, breads, caprese salad and of course, pesto. This Basil is nice when planted in a pot by itself or when mixed with other herbs or annuals in the landscape.
Which basil has large leaves?
Italian Large Leaf Basil
Italian Large Leaf Basil produces large plants with huge, 4-inch leaves. It offers a sweeter flavor then Genovese, making it perfect for pesto and Italian cuisine. Basil grows best in full sun locations with moist, well-drained soil.
How big do Italian basil plants get?
about 12 to 24 inches
Basil should grow to about 12 to 24 inches in height. For larger varieties, plant farther apart (about 16 to 24 inches).
Which is the sweetest basil?
Cinnamon basil.
Also known as Mexican spice basil, this variety is sweet and has a cinnamon flavor that makes it ideal for baked goods and kinds of vinegar.
What is the best tasting basil?
The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups.
What does Italian 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.
Can you substitute sweet basil for regular basil?
It depends on the the recipe. In some recipes you can substitute sweet basil, if it’s all you have on hand. But if you’re making a traditional Southeast Asian recipe like a curry, pho, or spring rolls, it’s definitely worth seeking out for its distinct flavor.
Can you eat sweet basil leaves?
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 ).
What kind of basil do you use to make pesto?
Italian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto. This variety offers a strong flavor for a robust fullness. When using fresh basil to prepare pesto, crush the leaves first to release the flavor, then add them to the olive oil.
What is the 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.
Which basil is used in pasta?
Dark Opal Basil
Beautiful and spicy in a salad or garnish, it can also be made into pesto, which adds an unexpected color and flavor to your pasta or bruschetta. The plants are attractive in the herb garden, ranging from 14 to 20 inches in height with purple stems, flower and leaves.