Definition:

(BAYZ uhl; BAZ uhl) An herb whose aroma and flavor range from peppery and robust to sweet and spicy. Its color can be various shades of green or purple. Basil leaves are used either fresh or dried.

Taste

Basil's flavor ranges from peppery and robust, to sweet and spicy.

Varieties

The main variety grown, and the one most frequently used in cooking, is sweet basil. Its pleasant, spicy aroma and taste blend well with most foods.

Lesser known purple basil makes a striking garnish for foods.

Lemon basil has a concentrated lemon fragrance and is perfect for fish.

Cinnamon basil has a sweet, spicy, cinnamon scent that is good in chutneys or fruit salads.

Forms

Dried and fresh.

Substitutions

Oregano or thyme.