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.
Is there such thing as purple basil?
Did you know? Purple Basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). The dark purple leaves are used in pesto or as a garnish. This attractive basil variety has won multiple awards for its beauty, flavor and ease of cultivation.
Is Purple Basil the same as regular basil?
Purple Basil
As its name suggests, this type of basil isn’t green like most herbs. It’s a vibrant purple color with larger-than-normal leaves. It’s not as sweet as other basil varieties, and it has a strong clove flavor.
Where does purple basil come from?
Like its relative, the green-leaved basil, purple basil originates from the tropics of Africa, America and Asia, where it has been cultivated and used in cooking for centuries. Purple basil varieties stand out because of their bold colouring. Their flowers can be white, but most are pink or purple in colour.
What makes purple basil purple?
As we know, the intense purple color in the purple basil is due to the plant pigment anthocyanin. This pigment is also responsible for red and blue colors in plants. It is found in several varieties of basil, as well as in other fruits and vegetables like cherry, blood orange, purple cabbage, etc.
Is purple basil safe to eat?
Purple basil can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet basil, although the flavor is more intense than traditional sweet basil. Beyond making a gorgeous statement in your garden, purple basil is also a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, C, K, B6, iron, calcium, potassium, and tryptophan.
Is purple basil healthy?
The phenolic acids in purple basil also help avoid chronic diseases. Research published in the International Journal of Food Properties credited these antioxidants for reducing oxidative stress in the body, which decreases the risk of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Is purple basil invasive?
This plant is easy to grow and reseeds well. It makes for good contrast of color among other plants. Can be considered invasive under good conditions but easy to control.
What is the most flavorful basil?
sweet basil
The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
Thanks to its incredible fragrance and flavor, sweet basil is one of the most popular and widely used herbs around the world.
Is holy basil edible?
Holy basil has many edible parts, the flowers, leaves, seeds, and extract can all be used medicinally. The fresh flowers are used to treat bronchitis, the leaves and seeds are used to treat malaria, and extracts can be used for stomach ulcers and eye diseases. The entire plant can be used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Can you eat amethyst basil?
Amethyst basil is a great culinary companion and substitute for sweeter varieties of Basil, ‘Amethyst’ makes a great seasoning for pastas, pizzas, and sauces as well as eaten raw with olive oil, mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Try using its beautiful deep purple leaves for garnishes, too!
What is purple basil called?
Opal Basil
Also called Purple Basil, a dramatic dark hue sets this basil plant apart from the rest. The entire plant is eggplant-colored, including the flowers, stems, and large leaves.
How long does purple basil last?
Even though well preserved basil doesn’t really go bad, it will start to lose its flavor over time. So, no matter which method you use to store it for the long term, it’s best to use it up within one year.
Does Purple Basil stay purple?
Purple basil is a unique culinary herb with a distinctive appearance in addition to great flavor. However, during the winter and early spring, the purple coloration can diminish during production. One common problem during the winter and early spring is a lack of purple pigmentation.
How do you grow Purple Basil?
Plant seeds of this basil in a light, well-draining soil that’s amended with well-composted materials. Allow 3 to 14 days for germination. Move into a partially sunny spot as leaves develop. Keep the soil consistently moist while germinating, but not wet, as young plants may damp off and fail.
Can you cook with dark opal basil?
Dark Opal basil leaves have a fragrant aroma and mild taste best suited for flavoring both fresh and cooked preparations. The purple leaves can be lightly torn or crushed and tossed into green salads, used whole as an edible garnish on fruit and cheese platters, or roughly chopped and mixed into pasta and stir-fries.
What does purple basil smell like?
Purple Ruffles basil has a sweet cinnamon and licorice flavor and a spicy aroma, which is disappointing since it smells nice but is almost flavorless if you taste it.
Is Dark Opal purple basil edible?
She’s traveled all over Europe, living now in Italy. Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) is a pretty-looking, aromatic basil cultivar. This upright, bushy perennial is more frequently grown as an annual and has edible deep purple leaves.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Who should not take holy basil?
Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.
Is holy basil the same as basil?
Holy basil is an herb from the basil family. It has several possible health benefits and is significant in some forms of traditional medicine. Holy basil is the English name for the plant Ocimum sanctum. People should not mistake this with the culinary form of basil, which comes from the plant Ocimum basilicum.