Basil is a favorite herb in many kitchens because of its unique flavors and aromas. There are several different types of basil, each with its own unique flavor, appearance, and culinary uses.
Some popular types of Basil include African Blue Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Genovese Basil, Greek Basil, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Lemon Basil, Lime Basil, Purple Basil, Sweet Basil, and Thai Basil. Each type brings distinct tastes and aromas to dishes.
We use a simple, sweet basil for our Johnson Lasagna Sauce Recipe. Exploring the world of basil reveals a rich diversity in flavor and appearance. Each variety offers a unique twist to culinary creations, from subtle sweetness to bold spiciness.
POPULAR BASIL VARIETIES
Basil varieties can be grouped into categories based on their flavor profiles. Sweet and mild types include Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil, and Greek Basil. Thai Basil, Holy Basil, and Cinnamon Basil are spicy and peppery. Lemon Basil and Lime Basil have a citrus kick. Purple Basil and African Blue Basil are uniquely beautiful and spicy.
| SWEET AND MILD BASILS | |
| Sweet Basil | Classic sweet and peppery flavor |
| Genovese Basil | Strong, sweet aroma and flavor |
| Greek Basil | Sweet, mild flavor |
| SPICY AND PEPPERY BASILS | |
| Thai Basil | Spicy, licorice-like flavor |
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Strong, spicy flavor |
| Cinnamon Basil | Cinnamon-like flavor and fragrance |
| CITRUSY BASILS | |
| Lemon Basil | Citrusy, lemony flavor |
| Lime Basil | Distinctive lime flavor |
| ORNAMENTAL & UNIQUE BASILS | |
| Purple Basil | Slightly spicier flavor, deep purple leaves |
| African Blue Basil | Strong, spicy aroma and flavor, ornamental flowers and leaves |
With so many flavorful varieties, gardeners seek effective techniques to preserve basil’s taste. Harvesting basil leaves at their peak ensures the best flavor, as fully mature leaves can become bitter. Don’t feel guilty about pruning your basil; the more you prune, the bushier and more abundant it becomes, bursting with fresh, flavorful leaves.
Pinching off basil flowers helps maintain vibrant flavors by allowing the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy, tasty leaves. If you plan to harvest seeds for next season, leave some flowers on select plants. This way, you can enjoy both flavorful leaves now and seeds for future planting.
BOXWOOD BASIL
Let’s start with our new discovery: Boxwood basil has become a Johnson favorite in the summer of 2024. It was love at first sight when we first encountered this charming plant at Cook’s Nursery in Lindon, Utah. Shaped like a miniature boxwood bush, this little shrub imposter is perfect for ornamental landscaping. Also known as “Ocimum basilicum ‘Boxwood’,” this basil variety is characterized by its small, dense, and bushy growth habit, resembling a miniature boxwood hedge.
Boxwood basil is a type of sweet basil with a mild, peppery flavor, making it ideal for pesto, salads, and garnishes. Its versatility and attractiveness add both flavor and beauty to your garden or kitchen. The compact form makes it particularly suitable for container gardening and small spaces. It can grow to be around twelve inches tall.
SWEET BASIL
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most popular and widely cultivated herbs, known for its aromatic leaves and versatile culinary uses. It thrives in warm, sunny environments, typically in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. Sweet basil has bright green, tender leaves that emit a sweet, slightly peppery aroma, making it a staple in many kitchens around the world. Its flavor profile is ideal for a variety of dishes, from classic Italian pesto and Caprese salad to Thai curries and Vietnamese pho. It can grow to be 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) tall.
GENOVESE BASIL
Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’) is a prized variety of sweet basil, renowned for its robust flavor and fragrant aroma. This basil is a key ingredient in traditional Italian cuisine, particularly famous for its role in making authentic Genovese pesto. The large, vibrant green leaves of Genovese basil have a slightly sweet, peppery taste with hints of clove and anise, making it perfect for a wide range of dishes, from pasta and salads to sauces and soups. It can grow to be 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) tall.
GREEK BASIL
Greek basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum), also known as “Bush Basil,” “Greek Bush Basil,” and “Spicy Globe Basil,” is a compact and hardy variety of basil. Its small, aromatic leaves are densely packed on tiny, rounded plants that typically grow to about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) tall. Greek basil is prized for its sweet, mild flavor, which is less intense than that of larger-leafed basil varieties. This makes it an excellent choice for garnishes, salads, and dishes that require a subtle basil taste. Its compact size and neat, bushy growth habit make Greek basil perfect for container gardening, window boxes, and small garden spaces. Additionally, its attractive appearance and pleasant aroma make it a popular choice for ornamental plantings.
THAI BASIL
Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is a distinctive variety of basil known for its spicy, anise-like flavor and striking appearance. This aromatic herb features purple stems and dark green leaves, often with a hint of purple, which add a decorative touch to both gardens and culinary dishes. Thai basil typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters), making it a manageable size for both garden beds and containers. Its unique flavor is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian dishes, where it is used to add depth to curries, stir-fries, soups, and salads. Additionally, Thai basil produces beautiful purple flower spikes, which are also edible and can be used as garnishes. This versatile herb not only enhances the taste of various dishes but also adds visual appeal to any culinary creation.
HOLY BASIL
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a revered herb in many cultures for its medicinal and spiritual benefits. It typically grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), though under optimal conditions, it can reach up to 36 inches (90 cm). Tulsi’s aromatic leaves are used in a variety of culinary and herbal applications, and the plant is often grown for its soothing properties and ability to support overall well-being. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to both garden beds and containers, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty and benefits even in smaller spaces.
CINNAMON BASIL
Cinnamon basil is a unique variety of basil known for its spicy, cinnamon-like aroma and flavor. This herb typically grows to a height of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), making it a compact addition to gardens or containers. Its small, green leaves are often tinged with purple, and the plant produces small, delicate flowers. Cinnamon basil’s distinct flavor makes it a popular choice for adding a warm, spicy kick to dishes, as well as for making herbal teas. Its manageable size and aromatic qualities also make it a delightful herb to grow for both culinary and decorative purposes.
LEMON AND LIME BASILS
Lemon basil and lime basil are both aromatic herbs known for their citrusy flavors, but they have distinct characteristics. Lemon basil, with its bright, lemon-like scent, typically grows to about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) tall. It’s known for its vibrant green leaves and is often used to add a zesty twist to various dishes. Lime basil, on the other hand, has a fresh, lime-like aroma and can reach a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm). Both varieties are similar in their growth habits and general care requirements, thriving in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining soil. However, their flavors set them apart, making them suitable for different culinary applications.
PURPLE BASIL
Purple basil is a beautiful and tasty herb that can add color and flavor to your garden and your meals. Unlike the more common green basil, purple basil has deep purple leaves that make it stand out. This herb grows to be about 18 to 24 inches tall, which is just the right height to fit nicely in a garden or a pot. Purple basil has a slightly spicy and sweet flavor, making it perfect for adding to salads, pasta, and even as a garnish on dishes. It’s not only a great plant for cooking, but also for adding a splash of color to your garden!
AFRICAN BLUE BASIL
African Blue Basil is a type of basil plant that is known for its beautiful purple and green leaves and its strong, pleasant aroma. This plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3 feet in height. African Blue Basil is different from other basils because it is a perennial, meaning it can live for more than one year, and it doesn’t produce seeds. Instead, it spreads through cuttings. People love using this basil in cooking for its unique, peppery flavor. It’s great for making pesto, adding to salads, or using in marinades. African Blue Basil is also popular in gardens because it attracts bees and other helpful insects.
