Basil is relatively easy to grow and is one of the most popular herbs for use in the kitchen. Basil goes by many names including sweet basil and Italian or Genovese basil. Indeed, even if you did not grow it before you might have encountered and eaten in a large variety of dishes. The most common basil is 'Genovese basil' (Ocimum basilicum), which is often referred to as sweet basil. However, you may have trouble finding it. Let’s take a look at Thai Basil vs Sweet Basil, examining the unique qualities of each and when you may wish to use one of these popular types of basil over the other. Either one may be used for the preparation of pesto, a common food used in Italian cooking, although many people prefer the taste of Genovese basil for pesto. Aside from the other varieties mentioned below, there are also several different cultivars of this basic, common variety of basil, each with slightly different aromas.Bush or Dwarf basil (O. b. minimum) has a spicy lemon odor aroma and is slightly bitter. Large, dark green leaves are tender, delicious, and aromatic. ), Some other varieties of basil:• Large pale green lettuce-leafed basil (O. b. crispum)• Lemon basil (O. b. americanum or O. b. citriodorum)• Licorice or anise basil• Opal and purple basil• Also: Thai basil, East Indian basil, Puerto Rican basil, Cuban basil, Aussie sweet basil, Baja basil, Italian basil, etc.Each has its own unique scent - fennel, tarragon, citron, gingerish, clove-mint, etc.Here is an excellent reference on Basil and its different aromas/flavors and an explanation of the aroma components, www2.hawaii.edu/~theodore/Images/basil.pdfChef James, FoodReference.com. Please feel free to link to any pages of FoodReference.com from your website. Italian basil is lovely stuff, especially when making pesto, but it's one of more than 100 basil varieties. Basil ‘Sweet Genovese’ is considered to be one of the best varieties of aromatic basil, hailed for its sweet-flavoured leaves and soft texture. Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' Biennial. Like sweet basil, this annual has a strong clove fragrance and ranges from 12 to 24 inches in height, but is easily distinguished by its more crinkly and in-turned leaves. Sweet Basil – Genovese. and as a dried spice and he says neither is what he remembers as sweet basil. The flavor of Genovese Basil has been regarded as having hints of mint and clove, while being peppery and spicy. Only: £0.89: Free Delivery on "Packet Only" Orders, when you spend over £15. Thai Basil has the traditional basil sweetness, but it’s also spicier than most basil varieties. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Please feel free to link to any pages of FoodReference.com from your website.For permission to use any of this content please E-mail: [email protected] All contents are copyright © 1990 - 2020 James T. Ehler and www.FoodReference.com unless otherwise noted.All rights reserved. var vclk_options = { sid: 8240, placement_id: 'eb8faeb5-8de5-4b5d-1615-5a4aca4ef0e7', version: '1.4' }; Kitchen BasicsBaking & PastryRecipe VideosWorld Cuisine. The chances are that you know very well the taste of Genovese Basil. While quite suitable for field and garden, we recommend using a more modern and more uniform variety for greenhouse, container, or hydroponic production, such as Genovese Compact Improved, Aroma 2, Nufar, Dolly, Elidia, or Eleonora. H 18 – 24’’ S 12 – 15’’ Sun or Part Shade: Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' is an annual native to India, Africa, and Asia. 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