It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when I hated all types of basil. I found it overly pungent, and it always seemed to overpower any dish. Thinking back on it, I might have been tasting bad quality basil — either basil that was past its prime or grown in stressed conditions. Today, I enjoy growing a variety of different types of basil and adding it to a myriad of dishes.
Think basil is just for making Italian foods like pasta and pizza? Think again. There are a wide variety of different types of basil, and all can be tools in your culinary kit. Here are 12 of my favorite basil varieties that I think you should consider growing in your garden — indoors or out.
Sweet Basil
- Sun requirements: Full sun. A sunny windowsill will do in most cases.
- Moisture needs: Well-drained soil.
- Best for: Nearly anything.
You may never have heard it referred to as sweet basil, but the stuff you buy in the grocery store is often this variety. It looks very similar to Genovese basil.
Lemon Basil
- Sun requirements:At least six hours of sun.
- Moisture needs:Water when topsoil is dry.
- Best for:Adding a citrus-kick to basil-infused dishes.
This type of basil has a distinct lemon flavor. Of course, it still tastes like basil, but citrus undertones make this a truly unique basil to grow and add to dishes.
Thai Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。喜欢炎热的天气。
- Moisture needs:Don’t overwater but avoid allowing the soil to dry out.
- Best for:Cooking Thai dishes.
I’m growing a variety of Thai basil in my garden at the moment, and it seems to be one of the last to bolt. The slender leaves and purple flowers are a characteristic of Thai basil. So is the pungent, spicy flavor.
Holy Basil
- Sun requirements:Full sun, thrives in the heat.
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:Medicinal treatment of headaches and stress.
This type of basil is native to India. It’s actually a perennial and has a host of medicinal properties.
Purple Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:给菜上色,作为配料或装饰。
There are a few different kinds of purple basil out there, but they’re all somewhat similar in taste and texture.
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What makes this type of basil stand out is its purple hue. Some varieties of purple basil are more pungent than others.
Genovese Basil
- Sun requirements:Heat-loving, needs full sun.
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil, but water well in the heat of the summer.
- Best for:Cooking and garnishing traditional Italian dishes.
One of the most common types of basil, and one that I often grow in my garden, is Genovese basil.
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This Italian variety pairs well with a variety of dishes and has smooth, bright green foliage.
Mammoth Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:Any dish where you might use sweet or Genovese basil.
This type of Italian basil produces very large basil leaves that look almost like lettuce leaf — which is why mammoth basil is sometimes also known as lettuce basil.
Cinnamon Basil
- Sun requirements:每天至少有六个小时的阳光照射。
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:制作各种甜食。
我最不喜欢的一种罗勒,但有些人很喜欢,那就是肉桂罗勒。我觉得不舒服,但也许是因为我不喜欢真正的肉桂。它在某些甜点中有它的位置,但如果使用不当,它很快就会压倒一道菜。It’s sometimes called Mexican basil.
Licorice Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:Replacing anise in recipes and dishes when you’re out. Use it in desserts, or make teas with it.
This type of basil may be an acquired taste for some because of its strong anise flavor. If you don’t like licorice, find another basil variety to grow.
Greek Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。
- Moisture needs:Regular watering.
- Best for:Garnishing dishes and growing in containers.
A compact variety that doesn’t get much taller than about 8 inches. The leaves are tiny, too. Pick a few small leaves to garnish or flavor dishes.
Dwarf Basil
- Sun requirements:需要一个阳光明媚的地方。
- Moisture needs:Moist but not waterlogged soil.
- Best for:Garnishing dishes and drying. Grows well in containers.
I have a few different types of basil growing in my garden at the moment, but dwarf basil is one of my favorites. This year is the first time I tried growing compact types of basil, and I may never go back to regular varietals ever again. I love that it takes up little space and looks so attractive thanks to its tight cropped growing habit.
African Blue Basil
- Sun requirements:阳光充足的环境中。
- Moisture needs:Well-drained soil.
- Best for:As an ingredient in beauty products, as an ornamental plant, or for cooking.
These gorgeous types of basil aren’t just for show. Because it contains high quantities of camphor, it’s often used in skincare and beauty products. I’m particularly fond of the purple blooms on this basil plant.
Tips For Growing All Types Of Basil
Ever since I started out as a gardener, I grew basil. It’s one of the most popular herbs to grow because it’s used in so many dishes. However, growing basil isn’t always a cakewalk. The plant is finicky and particular about its living conditions.
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那么,为什么要花精力种植罗勒呢?因为从自家种植的植物中收获罗勒比在杂货店买几束新鲜罗勒要便宜得多。多种植一些,与他人分享,或者晒干以备冬天使用。
In general, all types of basil prefers sunny conditions. Never plant basil in an area where the soil is waterlogged. The soil should drain well and not puddle after heavy rainfall. Avoid growing basil in containers that are too small.
人们倾向于杀死罗勒植物,因为他们把罗勒放在商店购买的容器中,最终会窒息植物的根部。罗勒应该浇水,但不要太频繁。最好是让土壤干燥,而不是在植物的整个生命周期中保持湿润。不必费心给罗勒施肥。过多的肥料会影响罗勒叶的香气和风味。
Remember to pick your plant leaves frequently. This will encourage bushy growth and prevent the basil from flowering and going to seed.
How To Use All Types Of Basil
If you find yourself in the fortunate position of having a ton of basil, check out these uses for the tasty herb.
Cooking
显然,罗勒最流行的做法是用它来烹饪。把它扔进意大利面,放在披萨上,或者做成美味的香蒜沙司。
Gardening
The strong scent of basil can actually ward off pesky insects in the garden which is why basil is a frequently used companion plant for garden vegetables. Use basil as part of your natural bug spray recipe to help ward off troublesome pests.
Aromatherapy
Add a few drops of basil essential oil to water and create a fresh-smelling room spray. Add to bathwater for a soothing, anxiety-reducing bath. For some, the scent of basil helps to relieve headaches.
Medicinal Use
罗勒有一些药用用途,如帮助消化和减少疲劳。为了药用,它经常被制成茶喝。罗勒也有抗菌特性。Used topically, it can treat skin flare-ups like acne.
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