What Does Basil Taste Like? Does Basil Taste Good?

In an herb garden, we usually find fresh herbs that we can use as ingredients.

It can be aromatic herbs like marjoram, dill, rosemary, parsley, thyme, and basil. Throughout French history, basil has been regarded as a royal herb since it is an ancient herb that is quite old.

Can you describe what does basil taste like? There is a minty taste to it, along with an herbaceous note.

In Asian and African recipes, Basil is used not only by the French but also by most other nationalities.

Chefs and apothecaries use basil in their cooking and therapy oils as a powerful therapeutic herb.

What is Basil?

Indian, African, and Asian roots give Basil its name. As described by the Indian Sages as a ‘holy herb,’ it could be used to treat any type of illness in the body. Ocimum basilicum is its scientific name.

There are several varieties of basil. At least 60 varieties of basil leaves can be found around the world, according to Wikipedia. There are five common and popular types of basil: Thai basil, Sweet basil, Cinnamon basil, Lettuce basil, and Bush basil.

As well as that, there are several hybrid basil varieties, such as the African blue basil and the lemon basil, among others.

The oil from basil leaves is used for aromatherapy and as a cooking ingredient.

What Does Basil Taste Like? Does Basil Taste Good?

Basil comes in many varieties and is a versatile herb. Depending on the variety you use or grow yourself, the flavor can range from herbaceous to minty.

Naturally, each type of food has its flavorings and taste:

• Thai Basil – It has a strong anise taste.
• There is clove and licorice-like flavor to sweet basil.
• Cinnamon basil- As its name suggests, it has a cinnamon flavor.
• Salata basil leaves resemble lettuce leaves and are licorice-flavored.
• The bush basil or Greek basil is quite similar to sweet basil and is often confused with it.

Basil can help your immune system as well as provide some other health benefits that are sure to make you feel better.

Among the many benefits that basil provides to the human body, is its wide range of benefits.

• Colds and blocked noses are cured by it.
• Cell repair is aided by this substance.
• It improves the health of your liver.
• Prevention of cancer symptoms is one of its benefits.
• In addition, it helps prevent premature aging.

Additionally, it also helps relieve your anxiety, boosts your metabolism, and leaves you feeling refreshed.

A 100-gram serving of fresh basil contains the following nutrients:

• The amount of water is around 90 grams.
• Energy in the form of 90 kilojoules
• Three grams of protein
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Dietary fiber: 1 gram
• Calcium: 170 mg
• Potassium 290 mg
• Three milligrams of iron
• Magnesium 60 mg
• Manganese 1 mg

How to Cook/Use Basil

It is possible to incorporate basil into a wide array of recipes. Pesto is one of the most common ways to use basil.

Add to basil leaves walnuts, pine nuts, garlic, or your choice of other ingredients and create a puree.

As the leaves contain a pleasant earthy and herbal flavor, basil leaves make a great ingredient to use in salads. Also, they are useful for adding flavor to soups and relaxing and calm. For an example of this, try my tomato basil soup.

In pizza, basil is the last ingredient used as a topping. Basil leaves are also a good addition to seafood dishes because of their rich and herbaceous flavor. Here’s a pesto pasta recipe with shrimp.

Besides adding flavor to desserts, basil works well in cocktail drinks and mixes as well. Try this trendy cocktail mix that’s made with watermelon and basil.

From basil leaves, you can also make an infused oil. Essential oils for aromatherapy are commonly used to relieve anxiety and stress in people.

It is not recommended to chew on basil leaves because they contain mercury, which is harmful to your teeth. The estragole in basil can cause liver cancer as well, so avoid eating too much basil.

Those with low blood pressure should also take precautions when consuming it as it can further lower their blood pressure.

Conclusion

Magical and ancient, this herb is an all-time favorite of all people who use it in all kinds of recipes. Basil’s strong aroma makes it very easy to identify in a dish once it has been included.

An authentic salad, pizza, or vegan dessert would not be complete without basil.

There is an incredible aroma when you consume basil, and we hope that this post will be able to capture this feeling.

If you want to read more about cooking, read here: Cooking Tips and Tricks.