Basil Types

While most people might be familiar with Sweet Basil which is one of the more common varieties, there are many more variations that have different sizes, appearances, and flavors. Here is a short list of some of the more popular varieties.

Sweet Basil:

Arguably the most common type of basil. Found in many food dishes and backyard gardens, Sweet basil’s distinctive large rounded shape leaves have a pleasant permeating aroma that is particularly strong when freshly picked from the plant, the flavor is more subtle but still equally distinctive. Basil can be added to food dishes in the form of both freshly picked leaves and dried leaves. Dried leaves tend to have diminished flavor and aroma compared to their fresh counterparts. Sweet Basil is a fast maturating plant and can reach full size of up to nearly 20 inches from seed within 60 to 90 days.

Thai Basil:

Thai basil is relatively easy to distinguish from other common basil types like Sweet basil with its smaller and more angular shaped leaves. Thai basil has a very distinctive and exotic licorice like flavor that sets it apart from other varieties of basil. Because of the licorice flavor and fragrance, Thai basil is also often called licorice basil. Thai basil can reach up to nearly 24 inches in height. In contrast to other varieties of Basil, Thai basil often grows densely enough to resemble a small bush and it is not uncommon for them to exceed two feet in terms of width.

Genovese Basil: 

Widely considered by many to be the best type of basil to use for in many Italian food dishes and recipes like pesto or tomato sauces. Genovese basil does bear a resemblance to Sweet basil with its large rounded leaves and distinctive, yet similar aroma. The distinguishing difference between to two, is the leaves appear to be more wrinkled than Sweet basil leaves.

Lemon Basil:

Similar to other basil types, except it has a flavor and fragrance similar to that of a lemon. Lemon basil is often a preferred addition to many salads or to add flavoring to tea. Distinguishing features include leaves with a flatter and more angular appearance.