Basil: Varieties You Can Grow In Your Garden
Basil is a gastronomic and medicinal plant. However, what many people don’t know is that there are many varieties of basil. Which of them are the most famous? We’ll tell you more about them below.
All varieties of this plant belong to the botanical genus Ocimum . However, the most famous is common basil ( Ocimum basilicum ), which is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. However, there are other interesting species to grow in the garden, do you know them?
First of all, keep in mind that this plant prefers warm summer temperatures. In fact, it tends to wilt quickly at the first sign of cold temperatures. Still, it is easy to grow and suitable for gardens of all sizes. We’ll talk more about this later in the article.
The main types of basil
Plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family have long been known as aromatic and medicinal herbs. Of these, the most popular are those of the genus Ocimum , which we all know as “basil”.
It is estimated that there are over 30 types of basil. Each variety differs in taste, color and shape. Which of them are most often grown in gardens? Here is our list.
Common basil
Its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum and it is also known as “sweet basil”. It is native to South Asia, but is cultivated all over the world. According to the Expert Opinion Drug Metab Toxicol review , this plant and its essential oils contain bioactive compounds that promote health.
These compounds include polyphenols and flavonoids, whose antioxidant activity is related to the prevention of chronic diseases. In the kitchen, it is often used in the preparation of pesto, pickles and salads.
Purple basil
It is one type of basil that is derived from the common basil. Its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum var . purpurascens and is characterized by particularly purple leaves. The plant is not very tall, it does not exceed half a meter in height.
The Food & Function publication reports that this variety is rich in anthocyanins. In addition, it is distinguished by antibacterial properties. Its use in gastronomy is similar to that of common basil.
Types of Basil: Asian Basil
Asiatic basil is a species with the scientific name Ocimum tenuiflorum . It is also known as “purple basil” or “holy basil” and its plant can reach up to one meter in height. The leaves are purple when the plant grows in full sun, otherwise it is green. In fact, it has leaves in both colors.
According to a review published in Pharmacognosy Reviews, this variety of basil has compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, cardioprotective and analgesic potential. While it is often used as infusions, it is also added to other drinks such as lemonades.
Greek basil
It is one of the types of basil used for decorative purposes. Its scientific name is Ocimum minimum and it is small in size. In Asia, it has a long history as an aromatic and medicinal herb. Moreover, these uses have spread to other parts of the world.
This plant produces essential oils rich in eugenol and linalool, two substances with antimicrobial potential, according to an article in the journal Molecules .
Geneva basil
Geneva basil ( Ocimum basilicum “Genovese” ) is popular for its use in Italian cooking. It is often used in the preparation of pasta and pizza. It is characterized by large, curved leaves that are often used in the preparation of pesto.
The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports that this type of basil contains volatile oils with pharmacological properties. However, they should be used in moderation. There is still no evidence that its dosages are safe and that it is effective.
Cinnamon basil
The scientific name of this basil is Ocimum basilicum “Cinnamon” . Its name comes from the fact that it contains a substance that is also present in cinnamon and gives it that particular aroma. The leaves are green but some have reddish or purple shades.
Although some people use it for culinary purposes, it is usually only decorative.
Lemon basil
Some types of basil are also hybrids. This is the case with lemon basil ( Ocimum × citriodorum) , which is a hybrid between sweet basil and the species Ocimum americanum . The plant does not reach half a meter in height and has white flowers.
It is often used in Arab, Persian and Thai cuisines because of its peculiar lemon scent. It is often added to recipes for salads, soups, stews and grilled dishes.
Types of basil for the garden
There are many types of basil, but almost all of them are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. They are suitable for growing in gardens, although it should be noted that they do not tolerate very low temperatures (below 0ºC).
They require loose and aerated soils that do not retain too much moisture. However, they are perfect for any garden, as they do not require too much care, take up almost no space and stay fresh for many months.
