Bitter Tasting Basil Leaves
A member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is renowned for its aromatic and sweet tasting leaves . ... However, there are many varieties of basil to choose from, imparting unique flavor such as cinnamon, anise and lemon to the evening's menu.
Is basil and mint the same?
The most popular basil plant is usually the sweet basil that is also known as the Genovese or Italian basil. ... Mint has a completely different appearance when placed next to a basil plant . Compared to the smooth and sleek look of the sweet basil leaves, the mint leaves look much rougher and textured.
Does basil taste like mint?
Basil has a sweet and savory taste while mint has a tangy but sweet flavor with a cold aftertaste. Both herbs are perfect for container gardening more especially basil because there are several varieties that take up only minimal space. Both herbs love lots of water.
Can I substitute basil for mint?
Best substitutes for mint
Basil has similar refreshing flavors like mint, but it also has a peppery sweetness to it. The World of Food and Wine suggests substituting one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for every one tablespoon of fresh chopped mint if you are making either a sweet or savory dish.
How would you describe the taste of basil?
What Does Basil Taste Like? The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper . While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.
Should I let basil flower?
If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers . Pinching basil blooms back will allow all of the plant's energy to stay focused on foliage production, creating a bushier plant with more leaves and maintaining higher levels of essential oils in the leaves.
Why does my basil smell like aniseed?
Basil smelling like licorice is normal. The smell of licorice is attributed to a chemical compound present in both licorice and anise known as anethole . ... Certain basil varieties have this compound which gives them their distinct smell and flavor, often described as either like licorice and anise.
What are the side effects of basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar . The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is mint leaves same as Tulsi?
Holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves. It is reminiscent of clove, Italian basil (Ocimum basilicum), and mint and has a peppery spiciness. ...
Is Tulsi and basil the same thing?
Main Difference – Tulsi vs Basil
But tulsi and basil are two different plants ; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. ... The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient.
Is Peppermint the same as mint?
The term “mint” is an umbrella term for the Mentha plant family that includes spearmint , peppermint, orange mint, apple mint, pineapple mint and more. Mint is a perennial and wide-spreading herb. ... Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus .
Can Peppermint be used instead of mint?
Mint is a popular herb that can be used in drinks and sweet or savory dishes. Whatever your reason for replacing it in a recipe, we suggest substituting fresh mint with dried mint or peppermint extract if you're trying to mimic the flavor. For dishes that require fresh leaves, you can try basil, marjoram, or parsley.
Does Thai basil smell like mint?
Thai basil is sturdy and compact, growing up to 45 cm (1 ft 6 in), and has shiny green, slightly serrated, narrow leaves with a sweet, anise-like scent and hints of licorice, along with a slight spiciness lacking in sweet basil. Thai basil has a purple stem, and like other plants in the mint family, the stem is square.
What does basil taste good with?
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil. ...
- Olive Oil. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Balsamic Vinegar. ...
- Fruit. ...
- Mint. ...
- Lemon. ...
- Eggplant.
Can you eat basil raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw . Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.
Does basil have a strong taste?
It's a robust herb, not bitter but definitely pungent . Fresh basil is strong and unique, a bit peppery with a hint of anise.
