Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world. This healthy herb is grown indoors and outdoors for appearance, aroma, and culinary and medicinal uses. However, there are several varieties of basil and all of them are edible and can be grown in containers. Therefore, in this article, we will enlist the healthiest 18 types of basil.
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Sweet Basil
This is one of the most popular types of basil. It is widely used in cooking. It has aromatic foliage. Sweet basil is available in two colors, green and purple. Basil is a delicate plant, to grow it, you will need to plant it in rich fertile soil. Water it regularly and carefully and expose it to sunlight. You can learn how to grow basil in this article.
2. Genovese Basil
This basil variety is used in several Italian dishes. Besides is beautiful apparel shape, this aromatic herb has a very tasty spicy flavor. It is an excellent addition to any dish. It is recommended to grow it in well-draining soil and expose it to 6 to 8 hours of direct sun.
3. Thai Basil
Thai basil as an intensive strong flavor. Many people grow this plant indoors for its decorative shape. It features purplish stems and purple-veined leaves. You should cook this eye-catching herb fresh because it quickly loses its aroma.
4. Napoletano Basil
Napoletano Basil is a herb native to Naples, Italy. It is widespread in Europe and grown for its versatile uses that include wrapping poultry, fish or cheese. You can add it to soups, sauces, fish and meat dishes and you will enjoy its lovely spicy aroma.
5. Dark Opal Basil
This is one of the most exceptional types of basil. This exotic herb is extremely coveted due to its dark purple foliage. It is listed one of the most beautiful black plants. Besides its aesthetic features, dark opal basil has many culinary uses.
6. Christmas Basil
This hybrid herb is a mix of Thai and Genovese basil. It is beautiful to look at, you can grow it in your kitchen to enjoy its fruity aromatic flavor. Christmas Basil is added to many meals and dishes such as pesto, sauces, salads, herbal dishes. You can also make teas of it or add it to your drinks.
7. Lemon Basil
This is another eye-grabbing basil variety. It features tender light green foliage forms beautiful white spikes that look beautiful and attractive. Lemon basil is added to drinks because it provides a nice lemon flavor.
8. Lettuce Leaf Basil
This basil variety large wrinkled leaves that look like lettuce. This aromatic herb does not have a strong flavor which makes it a perfect addition to salads and fresh dishes.
9. Lime Basil
Just like lemon basil, lime basil is a citrus flavored herb. Lime basil has a flavor that is similar to lime’s flavor. However, this variety is quite common and you may encounter difficulties finding it in stores.
10. Cinnamon Basil
This basil variety originates from Mexico. It is very popular in its original country due to its spicy flavor and fragrant aroma. Cinnamon Basil features shiny leaves and small pinkish-lavender and mauve color flowers. It is decorative and one of the healthiest herbs. Here you will find convincing reasons why you should grow Cinnamon Basil.
11. Holy Basil
Holy basil or Tulsi is an appealing basil variety distinguished with its medicinal and spiritual characteristics. Researches show that adding Tulsi to your tea daily will ameliorate your immune system.
12. Cardinal Basil
This is one of the most alluring types of basil. This herb forms extremely striking red flowers that look charming and appealing. It is widely grown for its ornamental apparel and medicinal uses.
13. Green Ruffles
This is one of the sturdiest and largest types of basil. This variety is eye-catching with its ruffled and fringed leaves. You can use it to decorate your garden as well as in salads, noodles, and pasta.
14. Greek Basil
This basil variety is tiny and can be grown basically anywhere. It does not require much space and you can add it garnishes, salads, meat dishes or soups, and tomato dishes.
15. Pistou Basil
One of the main ingredients of Pistou sauce, Pistou basil has a lovely excellent flavor and it makes the perfect addition to garnishing dishes. If you want to make the Pistou sauce, it is made of basil, garlic, and olive oil.
16. Spicy Saber
Spicy Saber, also known as serrata, is a herb with a strong scent and flavor that you can add to cooking for a spicy flavor. Due to its strong flavor, a few of its saber-like leaves is enough to make any dish spicy.
17. African Blue Basil
This is one of the most beautiful types of basil. This good-looking herb has an exceptionally fragrant and spicy aroma. This basil variety is not only delicious but also healthy.
18. Spicy Bush Basil
This is one of the bushiest types of basil. It is distinguished by its flavored leaves that can be added to sauces and soups.
These are some of the healthiest types basil. These herbs are decorative, fragrant, and most of all extremely healthy. They are also easy to grow. You can grow them both indoors and outdoors to enjoy their flavor and health benefits.