Why Does Basil Smell Like Cinnamon? Basil smelling like cinnamon is normal. The chemical compound attributable to the cinnamon smell of certain basil varieties is methyl cinnamate. Methyl cinnamate is a white/transparent solid chemical substance which produces a strong, aromatic odor.
Why does basil taste like cinnamon?
Description. Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, giving it a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon.
Is cinnamon basil edible?
Cinnamon Basil is planted for its delicious edible leaves that have a cinnamon-like aroma. It is used in teas, baked goods, stir-fries and much more. Also known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’, this plant is great for baking.
Does cinnamon basil smell like cinnamon?
Cinnamon basil is aromatic, emitting a sweet, spice-filled scent, and the leaves have a pleasant green, herbal, and warm flavor with cinnamon and mint nuances.
What should basil smell like?
What a tough question. I find fresh basil (assuming you mean typical sweet basil, not Thai) to be extremely aromatic with a scent of pepper, anise, and mint. The taste is sweet, but savory, and just like the smell it is peppery yet ever so slightly minty.
What do you do with cinnamon basil?
When dried, cinnamon basil is wonderful in potpourri and can be used in herb/dried flower wreaths. Cooking with cinnamon basil is unique and interesting. You can add it to your tea, use it in jellies, honeys, vinegars and baked goods.
Why does my basil smell different?
In general, basil plants can produce different scents akin to cat urine, lemon, licorice, or even cinnamon due to the presence of particular compounds like mercaptan, anethole, citral, cinnamate. Some of these compounds can be externally introduced while others are naturally produced by specific basil varieties.
What is the difference between cinnamon basil and regular basil?
Appearance. Cinnamon basil has narrow, delicate and somewhat shiny leaves that are noticeable serrated. They are more pointed and narrow than a sweet basil leaf. The sometimes have dark red or purple veins or stems, but not always.
How do you grow cinnamon from basil?
Cinnamon basil requires full sunlight and well-drained soil. Dig a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Allow plenty of space for Cinnamon basil, as the plant can reach heights and widths of up to 3 feet (1 m.).
Why is my basil minty?
Because they are closely related. Both basil and mint belong to the Lamiaceae family of aromatic plants.
What part of cinnamon basil is edible?
leaves
Also known as Mexican basil, cinnamon basil is a fully edible plant whose leaves and flowers can be used in a variety of recipe preparations.
Why does my basil smell like cloves?
Scented clove basil is a thai basil variety which has a smell of cloves and mint. It is a lovely addition to any meal and leaves a lingering smell in your garden. Can be used in jams, jellies and herbals teas. This type of basil is also known as Himalayan basil, Clove basil, and Tree basil.
Does basil have a scent?
The characteristic scent of the basil plant is due to a volatile compound called eugenol (shown in yellow), which is produced by the basil enzyme, eugenol synthase (shown in purple).
Why doesn’t my basil smell like basil?
The reason for this is the fact that your plant has matured. When basil bolts, it becomes more fibrous. There’s less energy and nutrients going to the leaves and they tend to get smaller and less fragrant and aromatic. In particularly bad situations, the leaves on your basil plants don’t smell like basil at all.
Why does my basil smell like lemon?
basil plants can produce different scents akin to cat urine, lemon, licorice, or even cinnamon due to the presence of particular compounds like mercaptan, anethole, citral, cinnamate. Some of these compounds can be externally introduced while others are naturally produced by specific basil varieties.
How do you dry basil?
The best way to do this is to wash the basil leaves, dry them with a towel, and then tie them up using their stems. Then, hang them in a cool, dry place (ideally high in your kitchen). It’ll take 4 to 5 weeks to fully air-dry though!
What is Lemon basil used for?
Taste and Uses
Lemon basil is mild enough to flavor grilled fish or shrimp and can be substituted for basil if you are looking for a fresh twist of flavor. Finely chop and add it to pasta with julienne vegetables and a flavorful extra virgin olive oil for a light and delicious meal.
Is Genovese sweet basil?
Genovese basil is a variety of sweet basil that has a floral and delicate aroma.
Why does my sweet basil smell like licorice?
Why does my basil smell like licorice? The smell of licorice comes from a chemical compound called anethole, which is also present in anise. It is also found in fennel. Anethole is present in some varieties of basil, giving it a distinct smell and flavor.
Why does my basil taste peppery?
Basil has a tendency to grow very bitter tasting leaves if the flowers are allowed to mature to seed. Overwatering or under watering your basil can also lead to bad tasting leaves.
Can basil smell like cloves?
Scented clove basil is a thai basil variety which has a smell of cloves and mint. It is a lovely addition to any meal and leaves a lingering smell in your garden. Can be used in jams, jellies and herbals teas. This type of basil is also known as Himalayan basil, Clove basil, and Tree basil.