Beyond Pesto: Growing and Using 5 Unexpected Varieties of Basil
The World Beyond Sweet Basil
Pesto is a perfect culinary creation, and the classic ‘Genovese’ sweet basil is a star ingredient. However, the world of basil (Ocimum basilicum) offers a spectacular, often-overlooked range of flavors and aromas that can completely change your cooking.
Basil's incredible diversity comes from slight variations in its volatile oils, the compounds that create scent and flavor, giving us notes that range from licorice and lemon to cinnamon and clove. If you’re only growing one type of basil, you’re missing out on a huge palette of culinary potential! The goal of this article is to inspire you to look beyond the standard large-leaf varieties and discover five unexpected basils that will revolutionize your kitchen.
For more information on 'Genovese' a.k.a. Sweet Basil check out my full article here!
Thai Basil
Thai basil is indispensable in Southeast Asian cooking and is easily recognizable in the garden.
Flavor Profile: Unlike sweet basil, Thai basil has a strong, distinct anise (licorice) and spicy flavor.
Appearance: It is known for its beautiful purple stems and vibrant, cone-shaped purple flower heads.
Culinary Use: This variety is essential for balancing rich, complex flavors in dishes like curries, pho, and quick stir-fries. It also holds up better to high heat and longer cooking times than its Italian cousin.
Lemon Basil
If you love citrus, this basil is a must-grow for its bright, sunny notes.
Flavor Profile: Thanks to the high concentration of the chemical citral, Lemon Basil has an intense citrus scent and a sharp, lemon zing that brightens any dish.
Appearance: It has smaller, narrower, and slightly lighter green leaves than sweet basil.
Culinary Use: Lemon Basil is superb when paired with white meat, poultry, or used to make refreshing iced teas and infused water. It adds a delicate, yet unmistakable, citrusy punch to green salads and vinaigrettes.
Cinnamon Basil
One of the few basils used primarily in sweet dishes, Cinnamon Basil is a unique garden discovery.
Flavor Profile: It has a warming, spicy aroma with a distinct cinnamon and clove undertone.
Appearance: Look for narrow, dark green leaves paired with unusual dark purple/red stems and lavender flowers.
Culinary Use: This is a spectacular, unexpected addition to desserts! Use the leaves in fruit salads, baked goods (like scones, shortbread, or apple pie), or to infuse simple syrup for specialty winter cocktails.
Purple Ruffles Basil
This is a favorite among gardeners who want a beautiful, edible ornamental plant.
Flavor Profile: It is generally milder than Genovese, with a slightly peppery flavor. It’s often grown more for its color than its flavor potency.
Appearance: This basil is a showstopper, featuring large, dramatically fringed, and deeply crinkled leaves in a stunning, deep purple color.
Culinary Use: Primarily ornamental, it makes a fantastic, colorful garnish. Use it to infuse white wine vinegar (which will turn a vibrant pink!) or layer it into fresh green salads for color contrast.
Explore New Flavors!
Before beginning your basil journey, please check out our full article on growing basil! It will take the mystery out of how to grow these delicious herbs and ensure you are set up for success!
The world of basil is wide open and incredibly rewarding! You can easily dedicate a small corner of your kitchen garden this season to one unexpected variety, like the spicy Cinnamon Basil for your holiday baking or the refreshing Lemon Basil for summer drinks. Experimenting with these different flavors is the best way to discover your new favorite way to use basil, beyond just pesto.