Thai Basil vs. Basil: How to Use Thai Basil and Sweet Basil

Also known as Ocimum basilicum, basil is a member of the mint family, along with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This leafy herb is recognizable for its glossy, deep green color and oblong, pointed green leaves on a green stem. Healthy basil leaves appear perky, and floppy leaves are a sign of wilting. Look for tight, crisp leaves when shopping for basil at the grocery store.

While its point of origin is a matter of debate, basil is believed to have first been cultivated in China, India, or Africa thousands of years ago. Today, basil is commonly grown in Italy, France, Egypt, Morocco, California, and other warm locales around the world. High temperatures of eighty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for growing basil. Basil is known for its sweet taste and is popular in Mediterranean cuisine. In Italian cuisine specifically, basil is the primary ingredient in pesto sauce. Besides lending a tangy flavor to dishes, basil is especially rich in lutein and beta-carotene.

Thai basil is a variety of basil (Ocimum basilicum) best known for its use in Asian and Thai cuisine. Unlike its cousin, Italian basil (aka Genovese basil), Thai basil has sturdy, resilient leaves that stand up well to extended cooking times and prolonged heat. Native to Southeast Asia, this member of the Lamiaceae family is recognizable by its narrow green leaves with serrated edges, purple stems, and distinct anise (licorice) flavor and aroma.

Thai basil plants, which also sprout pink and purple flowers, are tender perennials that grow best in warm, tropical climates in full sun with no frost exposure. Other varieties of basil include lemon basil, Italian basil, cinnamon basil, purple basil, Mexican basil, and Thai holy basil (aka Tulsi). Of these varieties, Thai basil is the most commonly used in the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Sweet basil and Thai basil are different types of basil with unique flavors and other distinct qualities.

• Flavor: Taste is the most noticeable difference between sweet basil and Thai basil. Thai basil leaves have a distinctive flavor with bold notes of licorice and spice. True to its common name, sweet basil has a sweeter flavor and more peppery notes.
• Appearance: Thai basil has purple stems, while sweet basil has green stems. The leaves of Thai basil are narrower than sweet basil leaves and have a slightly serrated edge. Sweet basil leaves also tend to be more delicate than sturdy Thai basil leaves.
• Cooking temperatures: The sturdiness of Thai basil leaves enables them to hold up when exposed to high cooking temperatures, such as in soups. Sweet basil leaves, however, may wilt under too much heat. Excessive heat also strips sweet basil of its flavor, while Thai basil is able to retain its pungent taste.
• Growing seasons: Thai basil is hardier than sweet basil. Thai basil plants thrive for up to two years, while sweet basil plants rarely live beyond one year. As a result, sweet basil is classified as an annual that must be planted every year, while Thai basil is a perennial that keeps flourishing.

Sweet basil is most commonly used in Mediterranean recipes.

1. 1. Lemon basil chicken: This light dish of chicken breasts with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves pairs well with summer salads.
2. 2. Caprese salad: Caprese salad is a cold Italian appetizer prepared with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. 3. Macaroni shells with pesto: An Italian take on mac and cheese, this pesto dish uses ample amounts of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.

If you want to infuse a spicy flavor into your cooking, use Thai basil in these three popular Asian dishes.

1. 1. Thai basil chicken: This classic Thai dish is made with chicken breasts, soy sauce, bell peppers, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame seeds.
2. 2. Vietnamese pho: Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with fragrant broth, rice noodles, and sliced meat topped with fresh herbs like Thai basil, bean sprouts, chilies, lime, and onion.
3. 3. Pad thai: Pad thai is a beloved street food dish in Thailand. It's a stir-fried noodle dish made with a sweet-sour-umami sauce of tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, and it usually includes vegetables with the addition of a protein like tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

In addition to its culinary uses for home cooks, basil may also serve some medicinal purposes. Essential oils derived from sweet basil are commonly used in aromatherapy. Basil seeds are edible and an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, and fiber. Use basil seeds in smoothies, salad dressings, and puddings for a boost of vitamins and fiber.

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