Discover Different Varieties of Basil Plants Available Online
Basil. Just mentioning this aromatic herb can transport us to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes, where its fragrance fills the air, and the mere thought of it leaves our taste buds tingling with anticipation. But did you know there's more to basil than the classic sweet variety?
Brace yourself for an extraordinary journey as we dive into the captivating realm of basil varieties, including African Blue Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Greek Basil, Lemon Basil, Sweet Basil, Purple Basil, and Thai Basil. Get ready to explore their distinctive flavours and innovative ways to enjoy these remarkable herbs!
Basil Plants Bonanza - blog content:
Originating from the African continent, African Blue Basil (a cross between camphor and dark opal basil) showcases a striking appearance that sets it apart from its basil counterparts. This herb's captivating foliage captures the imagination with its deep purple hue, interwoven with shades of green and hints of lavender. It's as if the heavens painted each leaf with a brushstroke of royal elegance.
The robust, bushy plant of African Blue Basil can reach an impressive height, standing tall and proud in herb gardens or containers. Its sturdy stems perfectly support the lush leaves, creating a visually captivating display that demands attention.
As the sunlight kisses the plant's leaves, they reveal their velvety texture, inviting curious fingers to brush against their surface. Running your hands through African Blue Basil is a sensory experience, as the leaves release a gentle, herbaceous fragrance that transports you to the heart of a thriving garden.
With every gust of wind, the foliage sways gracefully, almost as if the plant is whispering its secrets to the surrounding herbs and flowers. African Blue Basil's captivating appearance makes it a true gem to behold, and it effortlessly adds a touch of regal allure to any garden or culinary creation.
Thanks to a rich, earthy taste accented by subtle hints of liquorice and mint, African Blue Basil adds a unique dimension to salads, pestos, and cocktails. Its distinctive flavour compliments lamb dishes and roasted vegetables, elevating your culinary creations to new heights.
Hailing from the sun-drenched lands of Mexico, Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon') is a basil variety that ignites the senses with its fiery appearance and enticing aroma. As its name suggests, this herb boasts a captivating connection to one of the world's most beloved spices—cinnamon.
At first glance, Cinnamon Basil reveals its vibrant personality with its lush green leaves, similar to its sweet basil relatives. However, as you draw closer, you'll notice these leaves hold a secret—a hidden treasure within their delicate veins. As you brush your fingers against the foliage, a warm, comforting aroma reminiscent of cinnamon fills the air, instantly conjuring images of cosy kitchens and delectable treats.
The leaves of Cinnamon Basil display a glossy sheen, reflecting the sunlight and creating a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow. Their serrated edges add a touch of intricacy as if nature carefully designed each leaf to enhance the herb's allure. Growing in compact, bushy forms, Cinnamon Basil plants are a beautiful addition to herb gardens or pots. Their petite stature lends itself well to container gardening, making them perfect for those who want to infuse their kitchen windowsills with aromatic splendour.
As the plant matures, it may produce delicate flowers that add colour to the herb's overall appearance. These blooms range in hues from pale lavender to vibrant purple, further enhancing the visual appeal of Cinnamon Basil and inviting pollinators to partake in its captivating charm.
True to its name, Cinnamon Basil offers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and warm flavours. Infuse its essence into syrups, teas, or baked goods to create a unique twist. This basil variety also adds a zesty touch to fruit salads, stir-fries, and spicy curries.
As we delve into the world of Greek Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Minimum Greek'), we find ourselves transported to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, where the herb thrives and adds a touch of Mediterranean magic to our gardens and culinary creations. With its captivating origin and appearance, Greek Basil is a herb that embodies the essence of this ancient land.
Originating from the Mediterranean region, Greek Basil showcases a compact and bushy form that exudes charm and elegance. Its petite stature makes it a perfect addition to kitchen windowsills, herb gardens, or even balcony planters, allowing anyone to embrace the spirit of Greece in their own space.
The delicate leaves of Greek Basil are a testament to the herb's beauty and resilience. They display a vibrant green hue reminiscent of the lush landscapes and olive groves that dot the Greek countryside. With a smooth texture and a slightly smaller size than other basil varieties, these leaves have a unique appeal that sets Greek Basil apart. As the sunlight caresses the plant, the glossy surface of the leaves reflects its radiance, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and shadows.
While Greek Basil may not boast the large, showy flowers of other basil varieties, it compensates with its abundant foliage, creating a lush and visually appealing display. The dense arrangement of leaves forms a verdant canopy, providing a delightful contrast against the blue skies and white-washed architecture that Greece is renowned for.
In gastronomy, Greek Basil's flavour profile offers a delightful departure from the traditional sweet basil. It possesses a milder and slightly peppery taste, adding a delicate touch to dishes. Its fresh, crisp taste lends itself well to Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, providing a light essence to tzatziki, tomato-based dishes, and traditional Greek salads.
Prepare to be captivated by the origins and stunning appearance of Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum Citriodorum). This delightful herb takes us on a sensory journey with its refreshing lemony aroma and eye-catching aesthetics. Let's dive into the world of Lemon Basil and uncover the magic behind its origin and appearance.
Originating from culinary inspiration, Lemon Basil is a hybrid variety that combines the best of both worlds—the classic sweetness of basil and the refreshing zest of lemon. While its exact origins may be shrouded in mystery, Lemon Basil's creation can be attributed to the ingenious minds of herb enthusiasts and gardeners who sought to infuse the essence of lemon into the beloved basil.
As we observe Lemon Basil's appearance, we are greeted by an exquisite visual display. The herb showcases vibrant green leaves, each resembling miniature lemon zest. Their distinct shape, reminiscent of a lance or spearhead, adds an element of intrigue to the herb's overall allure.
The glossy surface of Lemon Basil's leaves captures the light, creating a dazzling spectacle. When the sun's rays touch these leaves, they come alive, reflecting a radiant glow that illuminates the surrounding space. The result is a captivating interplay of light and shade, reminiscent of a summer's day.
Lemon Basil plants are a delight to behold, growing in compact, bushy forms. Their abundant foliage creates a dense canopy, forming a verdant oasis in herb gardens or pots. The lush arrangement of leaves evokes a sense of abundance and lushness, as if Lemon Basil is reaching out to offer its refreshing flavours to those who come near.
But it is not just the appearance that makes Lemon Basil stand out—it is the intoxicating fragrance that emanates from its leaves. The herb releases an invigorating lemony scent with every gentle brush or squeeze, instantly transporting us to sun-kissed lemon groves and citrus-scented adventures. The aroma lingers in the air, a testament to the herb's ability to awaken the senses and tantalise the taste buds.
When it comes to culinary applications, Lemon Basil's flavour profile shines. Its tangy, citrus-forward taste adds a zesty twist to a variety of dishes. It brings a burst of freshness and vibrancy to every creation, from salads to marinades, desserts to beverages. Infuse its essence into oils, vinegar, or even cocktails, and let your culinary creations come alive with its unique and invigorating character.
With its rich history and delightful visual appeal, this herb has earned a place of honour in kitchens and gardens worldwide. Let's explore the origins and attractive characteristics that make Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum Genovese) an absolute culinary treasure.
Originating from the sun-drenched lands of the Mediterranean, Sweet Basil has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of love, luck, and culinary excellence.
Its precise origins may be shrouded in antiquity, but its influence on global cuisine is undeniable. Sweet Basil's journey from ancient civilisations to our modern tables is a testament to its enduring popularity and unmatched versatility. Turning our attention to its appearance, Sweet Basil beckons with its vibrant, glossy green leaves that exude freshness and vitality. These tender leaves are beautifully textured, inviting us to touch and admire their velvety surface. As they bask in the warm sun, they appear to shimmer and dance, showcasing their natural beauty and adding a touch of elegance to any setting.
The herb's stems, with their hints of purple or maroon, provide a striking contrast against the lush green foliage. They stand proudly, supporting the abundant leaves and infusing the plant with a sense of strength and resilience. A cluster of Sweet Basil plants, whether in a garden bed or a windowsill planter, creates a verdant oasis that delights the eyes and lifts the spirits.
When caressed or brushed against, Sweet Basil leaves release a captivating aroma—a symphony of fragrances that hints at peppery and floral notes. This signature scent fills the air, evoking images of bustling marketplaces and vibrant kitchen scenes. It's a scent that instantly transports us to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, where Sweet Basil plays a leading role in beloved dishes.
Sweet Basil shines as a culinary chameleon in culinary applications, elevating dishes with its delicate yet distinctive flavour profile. Its taste is slightly peppery and subtly sweet, offering a harmonious balance that enhances various recipes. From the iconic Caprese salad to pesto sauces, soups, to marinades, Sweet Basil effortlessly adds depth, freshness, and a touch of culinary magic to every creation.
As we embrace the rich green foliage of Sweet Basil, we celebrate its captivating appearance and its remarkable heritage. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of this herb, which has transcended time and culture to become a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide.
Prepare to be whisked away to the sun-kissed landscapes of Italy as we explore the origins and alluring appearance of Pesto Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum Pesto Perpetu). This basil variety, renowned for its role in the iconic Italian sauce, captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and adds a touch of elegance to any herb garden or culinary creation.
Originating from the fertile soils of Italy, Pesto Basil embodies the spirit of Italian gastronomy and the art of creating vibrant, herbaceous flavours. Pesto Basil's journey from ancient gardens to the modern kitchen is a testament to its irresistible charm and timeless appeal. Now, let's turn our attention to its appearance—a true feast for the eyes.
Pesto Basil flaunts a visually captivating display with its lush, emerald-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. Each leaf is slightly larger than its sweet basil relatives, boasting a broad and somewhat serrated shape that adds a touch of elegance to its overall appearance.
The leaves of Pesto Basil have a soft and velvety texture, inviting us to run our fingers over their surface and relish in their delicate touch. Their glossy sheen reflects the light, creating a captivating interplay of shadows and highlights that enhances the herb's visual allure. A cluster of Pesto Basil plants in a garden bed or a container creates a verdant oasis that exudes freshness and culinary potential.
What truly sets Pesto Basil apart is its ability to provide an abundant harvest of flavorful leaves. This variety produces an impressive yield, allowing herb enthusiasts and culinary adventurers to indulge in its aromatic and culinary delights throughout the growing season. With its robust growth and generous leaf production, Pesto Basil provides a bountiful canvas for creating traditional pesto sauces and other Italian-inspired dishes.
The aroma that emanates from Pesto Basil is a harmonious blend of sweet basil's characteristic fragrance and a subtle hint of spice. Its scent transports us to the idyllic countryside of Italy, where traditional recipes come to life, and the air is infused with the irresistible allure of fresh herbs. This intoxicating fragrance sets the stage for the culinary adventures that await.
Pesto Basil shines as the star ingredient in the famous pesto sauce. Its rich, herbaceous flavour—with notes of pepper, sweetness, and a hint of nuttiness—creates a symphony of taste that dances on the palate. Whether tossed with pasta, slathered on bruschetta, or used as a condiment for grilled meats and vegetables, Pesto Basil adds freshness and Mediterranean charm to every dish.
Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens’), with its deep hues and vibrant foliage, adds a touch of drama and visual intrigue to any herb garden or culinary creation. While the exact origin of Purple Basil may be elusive, its captivating presence can be traced back to ancient lands where basil thrived. It is believed to have emerged from the diverse basil family, a testament to this herb's continuous evolution and cross-pollination throughout history.
Purple Basil beckons with mesmerising foliage showcasing shades of deep purple, burgundy, and maroon. These striking colours create a visual symphony, capturing the eye and igniting the imagination. With their velvety texture, the leaves reflect the light and seem to glisten under the sun's warm rays, adding a touch of opulence to the herb's overall allure.
The unique colouration of Purple Basil's leaves sets it apart from its green counterparts, creating a captivating contrast in herb gardens or containers. The deep hues offer a dramatic backdrop to other plants, creating a visually stunning tapestry of colours and textures. Whether planted alongside other herbs or as a standalone feature, Purple Basil commands attention and adds a touch of sophistication to any space.
As we draw closer, the aroma of Purple Basil captivates our senses. It shares the unmistakable fragrance of sweet basil, with subtle spice notes and a hint of peppery undertones. Use it to add a visual pop to salads, garnish desserts, or create vibrant purple pesto. Let your creativity run wild, and let this majestic herb reign supreme.
Originating from the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia, Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) carries the essence of Thai cuisine. It is believed that Thai Basil has been cultivated and cherished for centuries in the aromatic kitchens of Thailand. Now, let's focus on its appearance—an absolute feast for the eyes. Thai Basil boasts lush, deep green leaves that exude vitality and freshness. They have a slightly pointed, lance-like shape with a delicate serrated edge, adding a touch of elegance to its overall allure.
These leaves shimmer in the sunlight, displaying a glossy sheen that enhances their visual appeal and makes them a captivating sight. But what truly sets Thai Basil apart is its remarkable transformation. As it matures, Thai Basil produces stunning purple-hued stems that contrast beautifully with the vibrant green foliage. This striking combination of purple and green creates a mesmerising spectacle that adds depth and visual interest to gardens, herb beds, and containers. It's like a symphony of colours dancing in harmony, creating a focal point that draws the eye and invites closer exploration.
As we approach Thai Basil, its aroma enchants us, instantly transporting us to Thailand's bustling markets and vibrant street food stalls. Its scent is a delightful fusion of sweet, liquorice-like notes with a hint of spice, evoking the rich and fragrant aromas that characterise Thai cuisine. A gentle touch or brush against the leaves releases an intoxicating fragrance that ignites the senses and sets the stage for culinary adventures. Its vibrant taste harmonises beautifully with coconut milk, ginger, and chillies, creating a symphony of flavours.
9. Basil Plants Bonanza - summary.
Embarking on basil plants exploration is like opening a treasure chest of flavours and aromas. From the majestic African Blue Basil to the zesty Lemon Basil, each variant offers its distinct personality, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary masterpieces.
Let basil become your secret weapon in the kitchen, adding depth, complexity, and a touch of magic to every meal. Get ready to savour the essence of the Mediterranean, embrace the exotic, and unlock a world of tantalising taste sensations with every sprig of basil. Happy cooking!
Buy Fresh Basil Plants Online
If you're feeling inspired after immersing yourself in the captivating world of basil varieties, and the desire to bring these aromatic herbs into your kitchen garden is bubbling within you, fear not!
Embrace the convenience of modern technology and indulge in the joy of shopping for fresh basil plants online.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog articles, where we'll continue to bring you exciting herb spotlights and culinary inspiration.