Purple basil is native to the tropics of Africa, America, and Asia. They can grow to a height of 18 to 24 inches over their lifespan and perform better in a temperature range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). Ocimum basilicum L.
Where is purple basil found?
In fact there are several species of purple basil, including some that grows in tiny leaves in Thailand and another found in the mountainous regions of north America.
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.
Is there a purple basil plant?
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.
Where is basil mainly grown?
India
Basil is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the “king of the herbs”.
Can you eat wild purple basil?
Purple Basil is an Anti-Inflammatory Herb
Purple basil can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet basil, although the flavor is more intense than traditional sweet basil.
Can you eat purple basil raw?
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.
How is purple basil different from 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.
What is the difference between Thai basil and purple basil?
At a glance, the most distinguishable difference is the color of the stems: Thai basil has a purple stem and sweet basil has a green stem.
Is purple basil Italian?
Basil has its origin in India and there are more than 100 varieties, including several purple ones. Basil is used in the kitchens of Italy, Greece, south of France, Vietnam, Thailand; in Argentina and Peru, its known for its Italian influence.
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.
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.
Will purple basil survive winter?
Generally, its growth cycle doesn’t include overwintering; rather it dies down and the hard seeds wait in the ground over winter and then germinate during the spring thaw. When temperatures dip, basil suffers cold damage almost immediately in the form of blackened leaves. Therefore, basil and cold weather do not gibe.
Where does the best basil come from?
It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term “basil” refers to the variety also known as sweet basil or Genovese basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia.
| Basil | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. basilicum |
| Binomial name |
In what climate does basil grow?
Basil likes to stay moist and requires to be watered deeply regularly, but make sure its soil is well-drained. Keep your humidity level between 40–60%. Basil likes warmer temperatures between 50°F–80°F. Basil is non-toxic to animals and humans.
In which region and climate does basil grow?
It is a tender low-growing herb that is grown as a perennial in warm, tropical climates. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. It has been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It is prominently featured in many cuisines throughout the world.
Who should not eat basil?
Additionally, people taking blood pressure-lowering drugs or diabetes drugs should use caution with basil supplements since they may lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Your doctor may need to decrease your drug dose ( 18 , 34). Avoid holy basil if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
What animals eat purple basil?
Aside from people, there are a variety of things that eat basil. Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids are the most common basil pests. Other pests include whiteflies, spider mites, caterpillars, and thrips.
When should you not eat basil?
How to tell if basil is bad or spoiled? Basil that is spoiling will typically become soft and discolored and the leaves will start to darken; discard any basil that has an off smell or appearance.
Is purple basil holy basil?
Thai basil can have both purple and green ones (depending on the variety) while holy basil has only green leaves; Thai basil leaves have a smooth margin while holy basil ones have a toothed one; and. Thai basil has a strong licorice sweet taste while holy basil presents a pepper flavor with a note of clove.
Does purple basil come back every year?
There are a few varieties of purple basil, but all are cultivars of the same basil plant, which is a true annual. Therefore purple basil grows from seed and die again all in one season, and do not return year after year.