Herb Comparisons, Plant Comparisons
Basil versus Holy Basil
Basil versus Holy Basil – similarities and differences explained.
The similarities between Basil and Holy Basil:
- Both belong to the Lamiaceae (mint) family.
- Both have antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal qualities.
- Both are used for culinary purposes.
Basil Overview:
- Basil Scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum.
- It is a culinary herb mainly used as a flavoring agent in various types of dishes in the world.
- The leaves have a sweet aroma and flavors vary from aniseed, to lemon and more, depending on the Basil variety.
- It is an Annual herb.
- It grows between 30–130 cm tall, with opposite leaves which are smooth.
- The major components in basil include linalool, estragole (methyl chavicol), anethole, eugenol, and methyl eugenol..
Holy Basil overview
- Holy Basil Scientific name is Ocimum Tenuiflorum.
- Although used in Thai cuisine and Indian cuisine, it is considered sacred in Hinduism, and it’s mainly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties.
- The leaves have an almost medicinal aroma and the flavor is very strong, often described as a peppery or comparable to licorice and cloves.
- It is a Perennial herb.
- It is an erect, many-branched bush, growing between 30–60 cm tall, with opposite oval-shaped shaped leaves, which are covered in hairs and often have slightly serrated edges.
- The plant contains numerous active compounds and the major compounds are linalol, eugenol, methylchavicol, methylcinnamat, linolen, ocimene, pinene, cineol, anethol, estragol, thymol, citral, and camphor.
Our Basil Varieties
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