Purple basil is an eye-catching herb with vivid purple leaves and a bold, aromatic flavor. But can you actually eat it? The answer is a definitive yes! Not only is purple basil edible, it’s a versatile ingredient that can add visual appeal and great taste to many dishes.
What Is Purple Basil?
Purple basil belongs to the same species as traditional green sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum. The only difference is it contains higher levels of anthocyanins, the pigments that give its leaves their deep purple color. These naturally occurring compounds are what make other foods like blueberries eggplants, and purple cabbage appear violet or blue as well.
Anthocyanins occur mainly in the outermost cells of the purple basil leaves. This masks the green chlorophyll in the underlying cells. However, purple basil isn’t always intensely colored. The vibrancy can vary depending on genetics, sunlight levels, temperature, and other environmental factors. Lower light results in greener leaves.
There are many different cultivated varieties of purple basil, including Dark Opal, Red Rubin, Purple Ruffles, Purple Osmin, and more. They range from deep burgundy to reddish-purple hues. Some, like the classic Genovese Grande Violetto, have striking two-toned leaves.
Is Purple Basil Safe to Eat?
Absolutely! Purple basil contains no toxins or compounds that make it unsafe for human consumption The purple anthocyanins are completely edible and actually good for you In fact, purple basil offers some great health benefits
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Antioxidants – Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and cell damage.
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Vitamin C – Boosts collagen production and immune function.
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Vitamin A – Important for eye and skin health.
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Iron – Helps carry oxygen in the blood.
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Other nutrients – Good source of vitamin K, calcium, and more.
So you can feel good about cooking with this colorful herb. The only difference from green basil is the purple pigment, which has no effect on flavor or toxicity.
Does Purple Basil Taste Different?
The taste of purple basil is often described as more pronounced than traditional green sweet basil. It tends toward a spicy, anise-like flavor with hints of clove and mint. The aroma is also more intoxicating.
But the exact taste can be a little different between types of purple basil. Genetics, the conditions in which the plant grows, and age also play a part. The taste may be more subtle earlier in the season. As with any kind of basil, the milder and less bitter leaves are the smaller, younger ones.
In general, purple basil has that characteristic sweet, aromatic basil flavor. But its bolder overtones make it ideal for certain dishes that can handle its more robust nature.
How to Use Purple Basil
You can use this beautiful herb the same way you would use regular green basil. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it:
- Make vivid purple pesto or chimichurri – great as a sauce or drizzled over chicken, fish, pasta, cheese, and vegetables.
- Mix slivered leaves into fresh salads and sandwiches for pops of color.
- Use as a garnish for soups, grains, eggs, meat, pizza, pasta, and more.
- Add to tomato sauces and stir fries at the end.
- Pair with milder herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives.
- Make herb-infused purple basil olive oil or vinegar.
- Use in herbal bouquets garnis for stocks and stews.
- Stir into dips like white bean dip.
- Make refreshing purple basil lemonade or agua fresca.
When using raw purple basil, adding it at the very end helps keep the most color and flavor. Its strong flavor gets stronger when cooked, so start with smaller amounts until you find the right balance for you.
Growing Purple Basil
You can easily grow your own purple basil from seeds or transplants. Grow it as you would traditional sweet basil. It thrives in full sun and warm weather. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for the best color. Partial shade washes out the purple tones.
Make sure to plant it in fertile soil and water regularly. Pinch off any flower buds to encourage more leaf growth. Frequent harvesting prompts bushy growth. Bring plants indoors before frost or propagate new ones from cuttings to enjoy this colorful herb all season long.
Where to Buy Purple Basil
Look for purple basil starter plants at your local nursery in spring alongside other herb transplants. Many organic seed companies also carry purple basil seeds you can start indoors. Or try farmer’s markets during the summer and fall to find fresh-picked purple basil bunches.
Popular purple basil varieties like Red Rubin, Purple Ruffles, Dark Opal, and Purple Osmin are widely available. You can also often find Italian heirlooms like the stunning Genovese Grande Violetto. Specialty produce markets may carry other unique cultivars as well.
So don’t be afraid to try out vibrant purple basil! Its eye-catching color and robust flavor make it a fun, fresh addition to many recipes. Use it as you would traditional basil to add some color and spice to your cooking.
How To Harvest Purple Basil
FAQ
Is purple basil safe to eat?
No inherent toxicity exists in Purple Basil for humans. It’s a culinary delight, used to add color and flavor to dishes. For cooking, the leaves are best. Stems and flowers, on the other hand, may cause mild reactions in sensitive people.
Is basil still good when it turns purple?
Purple basil is of course edible too. It tastes like anise seeds, which makes it more like Thai basil than the normal green kind. However, I saw a recipe for purple basil pesto that I really want to try making one day.
What does purple basil taste like?
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat is the difference between purple basil and green basil?Jan 26, 2023
What do I do with purple basil?
Luckily, it’s PERFECT for making pesto. It goes well with toasted pine nuts, fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, and parmesan cheese because it has a strong flavor. Purple basil pesto tastes great on toasted crostini or mixed into fresh pasta and topped with buratta cheese.