I grow 10 different varieties of basil.  Basil can be used in pesto, to flavor salads, in tea, or to add color to plant containers.  There are approximately 50 to 150 kinds of basil.  Basil can be grown in containers, in the garden, or brought inside to enjoy in the winter.

Cinnamon Basil: a beautiful basil with purple flowers.  Used to make teas.

Genovese and Red Genovese Basil: a large-leaf type is very fragrant, high yielding, and slightly spicy.  Spicier and stronger tasting than Sweet Basil.

Holy Basil: A popular herb in Thai cuisine, the fragrant purplish-green leaves can be used in potpourri and have a spicy, sweet, clove-like flavor. A religious herb of the Hindus.

Lemon Basil: Used in salads, to flavor meats, vinegar, make pesto, etc.

Lime Basil: Citrusy lime flavor used to flavor fish or salads.

Purple Ruffle Basil: A beautiful basil that can be used in potted flower containers to add color.  Can be used in salads to add some flavor and color.

Spicy Globe Basil: A small compact basil and has small spicy leaves.

Sweet Basil: most common and popular basil.  Use in salads, to flavor Itailian food, make pesto, etc.

Thai Basil: has a spicy. licorice taste.  Has beautiful purple flowers.

Growing basil: grow in well draining soil (potting soil/mix), they need lots of sun (at least 6 hours a day), and water when dry.

Harvesting basil: pinching back and cut off the flowers.

Bruschetta Ricotta Cheese Spread recipe

Pesto recipe.

 

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