The Most Popular Type of Basil, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:52
In a small town famous for its culinary delights, a local chef once experimented with different herbs to find the perfect basil for her signature dish. The quest was not just about taste but also about how the herb could enhance the overall flavor of a meal. This sparked a community-wide debate, leading to the realization that understanding the preferences of different basil types could significantly benefit food enthusiasts and chefs alike.
So here lies the solution for everyone from home cooks to professional chefs to express their preferences and share their expertise. By voting for your favorite type of basil, you help build a valuable resource that guides others in making informed decisions about which herb might elevate their culinary creations. Your opinion counts to outline culinary trends and highlight the most beloved varieties.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Basil?
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177votesSweet Basil is also known as Genovese basil, is the most commonly used type of basil in Italian cuisine. It has a strong, sweet aroma and flavor that is perfect for pesto, tomato sauces, and salads.Sweet Basil, also known as Genovese basil, is one of the most popular varieties of basil. It is widely used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, particularly in pesto and pasta dishes. The leaves are medium to large in size, with a bright green color and a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Type: Herb
- Origin: Unknown
- Height: 12-24 inches (30-61 cm)
- Sun Requirement: Full sun
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246votesA popular variety of basil that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a strong licorice flavor and aroma that is perfect for curries, stir-fries, and soups.Thai Basil is a popular type of basil known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai cuisine, hence the name. The leaves of Thai Basil are deep green with purple stems and veins, and they have a peppery, licorice-like taste. This basil variety adds a unique and aromatic twist to various dishes.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Height: Up to 18 inches (45 cm)
- Leaf Shape: Ovate
- Leaf Color: Deep green with purple stems and veins
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324votesA variety of basil that has a distinct lemon aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in teas, desserts, and salads.Lemon Basil is a popular type of basil that is known for its refreshing citrus aroma and flavor. It belongs to the Ocimum basilicum family and is commonly used in culinary preparations to add a unique and tangy twist to dishes. Lemon Basil is particularly popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, where it is used in curries, soups, salads, and stir-fries.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Common Name: Lemon Basil
- Origin: Unknown, but widely grown in Southeast Asia
- Aroma: Citrusy, lemon-like
- Flavor: Citrusy, slightly sweet
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412votes
Suyash Dwivedi · CC BY-SA 4.0Also known as Tulsi, this type of basil is considered sacred in Hinduism and is used in various religious ceremonies. It has a spicy, clove-like flavor and is commonly used in Indian cuisine.Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a sacred herb commonly found in India and Southeast Asia. It is highly regarded for its medicinal and spiritual properties. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, Holy Basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic benefits. The plant features aromatic leaves with a vibrant green color and a distinct peppery, clove-like flavor. It is commonly used in various traditional dishes, teas, and herbal remedies.- Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum
- Height: 30-60 cm
- Leaves: Oval, serrated
- Flowers: Purple or white
- Preferred Climate: Tropical or subtropical
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510votesA beautiful variety of basil that has a deep purple color and a slightly spicy flavor. It is commonly used in salads and as a garnish.Purple Basil is a popular type of basil known for its vibrant purple leaves and strong aroma. It is a cultivar of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) that adds a visually appealing element to recipes and gardens. The leaves are rich in essential oils, giving them a slightly spicy flavor similar to regular sweet basil.
- Leaf Color: Deep purple
- Plant Height: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
- Leaf Size: 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long
- Flower Color: White or pale pink
- Flowering Time: Summer to fall
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611votesA variety of basil that is commonly used in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a milder flavor than other types of basil and is perfect for grilled meats and vegetables.
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74votesA unique variety of basil that has a distinct cinnamon aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in desserts and teas.Cinnamon Basil is a popular variety of basil known for its strong aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to Central America. The leaves of this basil are large, dark green, and slightly serrated, adding an attractive element to any garden or dish. The distinctive fragrance of Cinnamon Basil makes it a favorite among chefs and gardeners alike.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Plant Type: Herb
- Flavor: Sweet and spicy with hints of cinnamon
- Height: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
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86votesA traditional variety of basil that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It has a strong, sweet aroma and flavor that is perfect for pesto, tomato sauces, and salads.Genovese Basil is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family. It is one of the most popular and widely used varieties of basil. The leaves are bright green, tender, and have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, making it a favorite in Italian cuisine, particularly in traditional dishes like pesto sauce. The Genovese Basil plant grows up to 2 feet tall and thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil. It requires partial shade and regular watering to flourish.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Origin: Unknown (likely Mediterranean region)
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and slightly spicy
- Leaf Color: Bright green
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98votesA variety of basil that has a distinct lime aroma and flavor. It is commonly used in cocktails, desserts, and salads.Lime Basil is a variety of basil known for its distinct lime-like aroma and flavor. It is a popular type of basil that enhances dishes with a refreshing citrusy twist. The leaves of Lime Basil are bright green and slightly smaller than other basil varieties, offering a pleasant visual appeal to culinary creations.
- Scientific Name: Ocimum americanum
- Common Names: Lime Basil, Thai Lime Basil
- Fragrance: Strong lime aroma
- Flavor: Citrusy and zesty
- Leaf Size: Slightly smaller than other basil varieties
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1010votesA variety of basil that has a compact, bushy growth habit and a spicy flavor. It is perfect for container gardening and as a garnish.Spicy Globe Basil is a highly popular type of basil known for its compact growth habit and distinct spicy flavor. Its small, globe-shaped leaves have a vibrant green color and a delightful aroma. This variety is a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who seek a unique twist in their dishes.
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 10-14 inches
- Leaf Size: Small
- Leaf Shape: Round
- Flavor: Spicy
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular type
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FlavorDifferent types of basil can have slightly different flavor profiles, which can influence their popularity.
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Use in cuisineSome types of basil are more commonly used in certain cuisines than others, such as Thai basil in Thai cuisine or Genovese basil in Italian cuisine.
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AvailabilitySome types of basil may be more widely available or easier to grow than others, which can affect their popularity.
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AppearanceThe appearance of the basil, including factors such as leaf size, color, and texture, may also influence its popularity.
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Health benefitsCertain types of basil may have specific health benefits or be used in herbal remedies, which could increase their popularity among certain groups.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of basil. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1608 views
- 207 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of basil
Basil is a widely popular herb that is commonly used in various cuisines around the world. It is an annual herb, which means that it grows and dies within one growing season. There are around 60 different varieties of basil, each with its distinct flavor and aroma. Some of the most common types of basil include sweet basil, Thai basil, and holy basil.
Sweet basil is the most commonly used type of basil in Italian cuisine and is often used to make pesto. Thai basil, on the other hand, is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and has a slightly spicy and licorice-like flavor. Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a sacred plant in Hinduism and is used in various religious rituals.
When it comes to the most popular type of basil, sweet basil takes the lead. Its mild yet slightly peppery flavor makes it a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether it's adding it to pasta sauces, salads, or sandwiches, sweet basil is a go-to herb for many home cooks and chefs alike.
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