Thai basil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thai basil |
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Early season Thai basil
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| Species | O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora |
| Cultivar group | Thai basil |
Thai basil, also called Asian basil, is a special kind of sweet basil. It is a popular herb often used in cooking, especially in Southeast Asia. This plant has unique features like small, narrow leaves and purple stems. Its flowers are a lovely pink-purple color, known as mauve. One type of Thai basil often grown in the United States is called 'Queen of Siam'.
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What is Thai Basil?
Thai basil is part of the sweet basil family. It is known for its strong, slightly spicy flavor. This taste is often described as a mix of anise (which tastes a bit like licorice) and cloves. This unique flavor helps it stand out from other kinds of basil you might know.
How Does Thai Basil Look?
This herb has several features that make it easy to spot. Its leaves are smaller and narrower than common sweet basil. The stems of the plant are a distinct purple color. When it blooms, you will see beautiful pink-purple flowers. These flowers often appear in late summer.
Where Does Thai Basil Grow?
Thai basil grows naturally in Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm climates. People around the world now grow it in gardens and farms. This is because it has become a popular ingredient in many different foods.
How is Thai Basil Used in Cooking?
Thai basil is a very important ingredient in many dishes. It adds a fresh, unique flavor.
Popular Dishes with Thai Basil
One famous dish that uses Thai basil is sanbeiji. This is a very popular Taiwanese dish, also known as "three cup chicken." The basil adds a special aroma and taste to the chicken.
Thai basil is also often served with phở. This is a well-known Vietnamese-style noodle soup. When you order phở, you might get a plate of fresh, raw Thai basil leaves. Each person can then add the leaves to their soup. This lets them season it to their own taste with the anise-flavored leaves. It works like a condiment, which is something you add to food to make it taste better.
