They are different variations of the same plant type, though they do have many differences. Genovese basil is a preferred variety of sweet basil, not only because of its large, sweet leaves, but it is also slow to bolt in extreme heat and does not become bitter with age. I always read that genovese is best for pesto (which makes sense cause pesto is a genoa specialty-I remember eating it in Genoa specifically). However, you can find packages of fresh Thai basil leaves (here a UK chain selling it, and here from Walmart) meant to be tossed in your favorite Asian dish. Sweet or Genovese basil both grow in U. S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 and above as perennials. Genovese Basil Summerlong Basil. Another use that you might never hear of Thai basil leaves for dessert like ice cream. What kinds of dishes should I use Thai basil for? Some also add Thai basil seeds to the ice cream due to their ability to reduce water crystals in the mixture as detailed here.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yourindoorherbs_com-leader-2','ezslot_19',114,'0','0'])); Thai basil, although getting more and more widespread in the western world, is still far away to have even the same popularity (commercial wise at least) of the sweet (Genovese) basil. This variety boasts large, flavorful leaves and is resistant to fusarium wilt The flavor is very similar to that of Genovese – a slightly anise/licorice flavor, peppery, yet minty too. in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ocimum basilicum ‘Nufar F1 Hybrid’. The main difference between Tulsi and basil is that Tulsi is a holy aromatic plant and its leaves are highly scented, and basil is a culinary herb. There are more than 150 varieties of basil that have been discovered but their maybe more. If you live in a desert climate, the plant may not thrive if it’s unprotected and exposed in areas with full sun on a summer day. The large leaves of the Genovese basil plant are known for their intense flavor. Indeed, Genovese basil presents large, oval curly down leaves. Thai basil is a perennial herb. This can lead to an herb even taller than 3 feet (around a meter), almost double their “normal” size. The most common basil is 'Genovese basil' (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. There’s large leaf basil, curly leaf basil, frilly basil, and purple basil. She earned a B.A. What about in the bolognese sauce? Sweet basil is from southeast Asia and central Africa. Holy basil should not be used by people who are trying to conceive because preliminary studies on animals showed that holy basil may cause uterine contractions and negatively impact fertility. Moreover, differently from Genovese basil, Thai basil can be added from the beginning of the sauce preparation, rather than at the end. Basil The scientific name of Tulsi plant is “ Ocimum tenuiflorum” whereas the scientific name of basil is Ocimum basilicum , both affiliated to the family Lamiaceae, i.e., a family of flowering plants. After moving to the UK 6 years ago in a tiny flat, it was impossible to grow herbs outside. Pesto, by far, is the most famous recipe where sweet basil is used (and also a smart alternative to store basil as detailed in this guide for preserving basil).eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'yourindoorherbs_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_16',113,'0','0'])); Can you do pesto with Thai basil? Has a very strong flavor when cut fresh and is great for pesto, but I do find that it leaves a bitter aftertaste. You can grow one or several of the many types of basil, depending on your location and what you plan to do with the harvest of aromatic leaves. Best Container Size To Guarantee Basil Growtheval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yourindoorherbs_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_22',118,'0','0'])); The Fertilizer You Should Use For Your Indoor Basil. Plants range from 14 to 30 inches tall and are prolific in hot, sunny locations. The plant originated in India and has been cultivated to produce over 150 known varieties. Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing for a variety of clients, including The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal Home section and other national publications. One of the most sought-after types of basil for culinary use, Genovese is regarded as the definitive basil for classic pesto alla Genovese. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You're not the only one! Genovese basil is a staple (king of herbs) in the Mediterranean (mainly Italian) cuisine, while holy basil is adopted mostly (exclusively) in Asian cuisine. Indeed, Thai basil as licorice and milder taste. Genovese basil is a variety of sweet basil that has a floral and delicate aroma. Its green and tasty leaves are indeed used in many recipes. Thai basil presents a purple stem, compared to the green one of the Genovese variety. Even 10grams of basil leaves (not difficult to eat) brings you 10% of your recommended daily intake. Harvest the top four leaves often to keep the plant growing and sweetly flavored. 8 Basil Herb Seed Pack - Cinnamon, Dark Opal, Genovese, Holy, Italian, Lemon, Sweet, Thai Basil - Perfect Seeds for Planting Indoor Hydroponic Systems or Outdoor Herb Gardens - … Genovese basil (in Ligurian language baxaicò or baxeicò) is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). They prefer full sun, but they don’t like to get too hot. Aromatic in the ground as well as in sauces, basil is a common herb grown in windowsills, containers and garden beds across the globe. Indeed, even if you did not grow it before you might have encountered and eaten in a large variety of dishes.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yourindoorherbs_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])); Thai basil taste is milder than Genovese basil. Remember, a perennial is usually as such only if kept warm during cold seasons. Moreover, Thai Basil has an extra aroma of licorice with spicy touch in addition to the anise background flavor that shares with the Genovese variety. Genovese basil must always be added at the end of any dish you are preparing (during the cooling down process). Never heard of Genovese basil before? Countless are the plates that can give their best only with a generous presence of sweet basil leaves on it. Most plants grown in gardens need from 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. In recent years Thai basil is starting gaining popularity even in the western world. Have a look at the video below for ideas: Thai and Genovese basil significantly differs for their behavior to temperature during cooking. It is one of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for its use in pesto, the traditional Genoese sauce. Thai basil is a different basil variety from sweet basil (actually part of a different cultivar, for more read this University of Purdue document). However, do not overthink this. It’s typically used in most pesto recipes and tomato-based dishes. Indeed, only a few recipes are famous for using such herb. Outside, the warm season annual prefers to be placed in a prepared garden bed after the last spring frost. Sweet Valley Herbs: What is the Difference Between ‘Nufar’ & ‘Genovese’ Basil? Sweet basil is an annual herb. Genovese basil prefers containers, bunched together with other herbs in well-tended garden beds, and mixed in with flowers in raised beds. link to The Importance of Soil Analysis: 5 Reasons (and 13 Methods), link to Hours of Sunlight For a North-Facing Garden (How To Improve), guide on how to turn those pots in durable basil herbs, Best Container Size To Guarantee Basil Growth. This is the classic Italian basil that most people think about when talking about the aromatic herb. – Your Indoor Herbs, 4 Reasons for Small Basil Leaves and Tips To Avoid It. This is a variety of sweet basil. Just as a heads up, basil certainly grows fine from seed. Another famous Asian dish with is the Thai larb (also known as meat salad), here the recipe. Other names that you might see are Sweet Basil or Common, since this is the most common variety. So the differences are indeed quite remarkable. Nufar Basil is another type of sweet basil. More important is their vitamin content, which again accordingly to nutrionix is very similar among the two basil varieties. Does Thai basil use much more space than your normal (sweet) basil? Both of them, when grown, are quite rigid and can become woody at their end of life.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'yourindoorherbs_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])); Sweet basil, at the end of its lives, produces seeds through small white flowers. Keep reading to find the answer to these and many more questions. Genovese basil prefers containers, bunched together with other herbs in well-tended garden beds, and mixed in with flowers in raised beds. Hours of Sunlight For a North-Facing Garden (How To Improve). Genovese basil has a distinct and robust taste that is a mix of anise, peppery, and a bit sweet. Let’s dive into each of those aspects. 9. Holy basil and basil are herbs that are members of the mint family. A pro tip: sometimes, those leaves have been manually removed from the herb, so it is not uncommon to find whole stems coming with a few leaves. If not, well, there are lots of things to do in life that bring happiness... yourindoorherbs is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. Because basil is a heat-loving plant, it is crucial to place the container in an area with access to at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. If you are looking in growing Thai basil and you did not have a chance to find a whole plant/stem, then you might consider starting from seeds. Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’) This type of basil is one that is most likely familiar as it is commonly found in the produce section at the grocery store. Quite famous is the Thai basil chicken; here one of the countless recipes. Hence, you have a way higher chances to successfully growth Thai basil inside as a perennial. Here a video explaining the process that can also be applied to Thai basil.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yourindoorherbs_com-leader-4','ezslot_21',117,'0','0'])); 21 Easy Tips To Grow Massive Basil Indoor – Your Indoor Herbs, Why Basil Leaves Are Bitter? Some of them might adopt jelly powder (widely consumed in East Asia, here the video). It is quite common, especially in the western world, and sold even in a small pot for a dollar or less in supermarkets (here a guide on how to turn those pots in durable basil herbs).eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'yourindoorherbs_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])); However, the sweet basil is only one of the 50+ varieties that you can find it. If you have ever grown culinary herbs you know that many of them are not a fan of low temperatures (yes basil, I am looking at you!). share. But you may also have more respect for this basil when you learn that it can be placed inside a tea and drank regularly to boost your immune system. Although possible to do pesto with Thai basil, I do prefer to stick with sweet basil due to its stronger taste. Mint Recipes Mint Lime Apple Banana Basil Black Peruvian Chocolate Fish Grapefruit Hung Cay Italian Lavender Licorice Muna Orange Peppermint Persian Pineapple Spearmint Tops Wild Wintergreen. You might have heard about holy basil and wondering if there is any particular difference compared to the most common sweet basil. This small and bushy basil is a great option for any container gardener. Thai basil taste is milder than Genovese basil. Transplant one seedling per 6" pot or 3 seedlings per 12" pot. Sage Recipes Sage Black Basil (Ocimum spp.) Table 2: Vitamine and mineral content in daily recommended % for each 100g of leaveseval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'yourindoorherbs_com-leader-3','ezslot_20',116,'0','0'])); Sweet basil and Thai basil, as also shown in the publication from the University of Purdue, grown more or less at the same rate, with a top hight of around 16-18 inches (up to 45cm). This is the classic Italian basil, and the crucial ingredient for pesto!