But Thai basil doesn’t taste an awful lot like the sweet Italian basil you might be used to. Thai basil is far more complex with liquorice, aniseed flavours which are then combined with the usual basil flavours you’re used to.
All types of basil are members of the mint family. Thai basil is of Southeast Asian origin, and is a common ingredient among the cuisines of this region. It has a slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor. In terms of appearance, Thai basil has a purple stem and small, sturdy leaves with serrated edges.
Physically, Thai basil leaves are sturdier, more narrow, and have almost a serrated edge to them. They also have purple stems which is also a good trait to look for if you’re able to find them in a store. The basil that you’re more likely to recognize at the grocery store is most likely Italian sweet basil.
You can use Thai basil in Southeast Asian or Thai cuisines like drunken noodles, Thai basil chicken, stir fries, or green curries. Adding fresh leaves to recipes like these Veggie Spring Rolls is an instant way to bring a bright and fresh taste to any dish!
What is the difference between Thai basil and basil?
Physically, Thai basil leaves are sturdier, more narrow, and have almost a serrated edge to them. They also have purple stems which is also a good trait to look for if you’re able to find them in a store.
Thai basil is a type of basil that originates in Southeast Asia. It’s got a stronger flavor than that of it’s sweet basil cousin with more of an anise flavor.
They are not! The main difference between Thai basil and holy basil is their flavor. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery.
You can use Thai basil in Southeast Asian or Thai cuisines like drunken noodles, Thai basil chicken, stir fries, or green curries. Adding fresh leaves to recipes like these Veggie Spring Rolls is an instant way to bring a bright and fresh taste to any dish!
You can substitute basil for Thai basil in dishes if that’s all you have. It won’t have that same punch of flavor that Thai basil brings, so it could be worth adding other fresh herbs to help brighten the dish like mint or cilantro.
Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also Italian basil or sweet basil. It’s the basil that you’ll find at your grocery store and on top of your margherita pizzas! It’s often used in Italian dishes.
In the case of the basil that you’ll commonly find at the store, it is! You might hear it be called Italian basil as well.
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