The growing fascination with cultivating herbs at home has opened the door for people to discover a diverse range of herbs beyond your normal parsley or cilantro.
One of the main go-to options has been Thai Basil, one among the numerous basil varieties available. Thai Basil is often preferred due to its superior flavor profile to its Italian counterpart. In this article, we explain that Thai Basil is a variety of the basil plant and share creative ways of incorporating the it into your recipes.
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Basil Varieties
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, the same as culinary herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage. While it’s often associated with Italy and called Sweet Basil, its origins trace back to India. There is also some evidence suggesting the use of basil in the Hunan region of China as far back as 807 A.D. Eventually, the plant migrated westward due to its adaptability to indoor cultivation which makes it less susceptible to cold climates and frost.
Sweet Basil is prominently featured in Italian dishes. However, there are distinct varieties of the plant that have become staples in various cuisines: Thai Basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora), lemon basil (O. X citriodorum), and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Each variety brings its unique taste to the table, enhancing the culinary experience in different cultures.
It is further important to add that Basil is incredibly diverse. There are over 60 varieties each with its own distinct characteristics. Sweet Basil is the most popular and widely used variety. There are multiple types of Sweet Basil and each offers subtle variations in flavor and aroma. Thai Basil, on the other hand, is recognized for its anise-like taste. It can be identified by its purple stems and robust leaves.
Common Basil Characteristics
Basil is a mint, meaning that it is widely known for its aromatic green leaves. It has a distinctive sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
Basil can be used both fresh and dried. This allows the user to apply it across various cuisines.
Thai Basil
Thai Basil also originated from Southeast Asia. It has a slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor, and features a purple stem and robust leaves that have serrated edges.
Now, let’s compare Thai Basil to Sweet Basil:
- Steam color: The most noticeable difference is the color of the stems. Thai Basil has a purple stem, while Sweet Basil has a green one.
- The leaves: Thai Basil’s sturdier and smaller leaves set it apart from the delicate, floppy leaves of Sweet Basil.
- The taste: Thai Basil brings a spicy, anise-like flavor, while Sweet Basil offers a milder, peppery sweetness.
Note: People often substitute Sweet Basil for Thai Basil in their recipes. To compensate for the flavor loss, you can consider adding fresh herbs like mint or cilantro. However, for dishes where Thai Basil plays a central role (such as Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls), we recommend that you use authentic Thai Basil.
Growing and Harvesting Thai Basil
Growing Thai Basil is a relatively straightforward process. As a home gardener, you can cultivate it directly from seeds or propagate a stem from an existing Thai Basil plant.
Thai Basil thrives when it is provided with an average amount of water and plenty of sunlight. This means that it does not fare well as a houseplant due to its sunlight requirements.
Also, if you wish to grow Thai Basil in a pot, always ensure to undertake proper soil ventilation and drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. The best time to plant is after the last frost in spring. Pruning should be done every two weeks to support healthy growth. Trim the buds as it grows to encourage more stem and leaf growth.
Harvesting is generally done between May and September. It’s crucial to be careful โ rather than plucking individual leaves, cut the entire shoot at approximately 3 cm to 4 cm above the ground. This is typically above a pair of leaves.
Culinary Uses of Thai Basil
Thai Basil has diverse culinary applications. Here are some of them.
- Chicken bowls: Consider using Thai Basil in a marinade for chicken. Combine it with lime juice, honey, sake, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful bath for chicken breasts or thighs.
- Toppings and garnishes: Thai Basil adds a pop of color with its green leaves and complementing purple stems. As a garnish, it adds a unique aroma and imparts a subtle flavor that elevates the overall dining experience.
- Basil tea: A cup of basil tea is packed with vitamins A, C, and K and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The presence of fiber also adds to its nutritional value.
- Stir fry: Combining fresh Thai Basil with ingredients like red chili, garlic, sesame oil, and sugar creates a savory and spicy stir-fry sauce. This adds vibrancy and provides a delightful kick.
- Noodle soup: Thai Basil gives out a herbaceous and slightly peppery note that enhances the delicate, tasty broth of traditional pho recipes.
Key Takeaways
Here are the main talking points from the article:
- Basil is a mint that hails from India but which found its culinary roots in Italy. Some varieties include Thai Basil and lemon basil.
- Thai Basil has purple stems, sturdy leaves, and an anise-like flavor. Its vibrant presence enriches dishes like chicken bowls and noodle soup by giving out a unique aromatic and spicy twist.
- When growing Thai Basil, there should be adequate sunlight and proper drainage. We recommend harvesting your Thai Basil plants between May and September.
Wrapping Up
In this article, weโve shown that Thai Basil is just one of the many basil varieties out there. Weโve also noted that Thai Basil is preferred by many people worldwide due to its unique appearance and flavor profile. It can add color and flavor to your salads and basil tea, and is packed with vitamins and minerals.
We hope that with this information, you will use Thai Basil to bring something special to the table.ย Happy cooking!
