Basil plants also have a distinct smell if you rub the leaves between your fingers. It has a strong smell as well, so you won't have to inhale too deeply to get the hints of clove and anise that the fresh basil plant emits. With over 60 varieties of basil available, it is possible, especially if you are not sure of the cultivar, that you may have planted one with unexpected flavor profiles. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. The unique smell of basil carries through all types of basil plants, even those like lavender, lemon or cinnamon basil. Basil is known to be a culinary herb featured in some Asian Countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, to mention a few. Thai basil is used in a lot of Asian dishes, especially in Southeast Asia. The flavour of fresh Thai basil is a bit peppery; a lot like black licorice or anise, but the longer it cooks, the sweeter the taste becomes. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and tarragon have long been prized throughout the world for their curative properties (mint for indigestion, basil for kidney problems, and tarragon for snake bites). This article will talk about the taste and other information about Basils. Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. Holy basil does well as a container plant and makes a lovely and unusual addition to … With the motor running running, slowly drizzle the olive oil through the chute. What does Thai basil taste like? Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Holy basil has a taste often described as peppery, with a background of clove and slight aniseed (or sweet). Once basil blooms, older leaves begin to deteriorate. Basil comes from the Lamiaceae family, which is the family to which several other intensely aromatic herbs belong. After some research, it sounds like some other varieties of basil can taste like black licorice, because of the presence of anise? Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. Basil (/ ˈ b æ z əl /, also US: / ˈ b eɪ z əl /; Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints).. Basil's maximum oil content, and best taste, happens right before the plant flowers. Like other basils, it requires well-drained soil and should be planted in the late spring to early summer when day- and night-time temperatures are not likely to dip below 50°F (10°C). 2. I think I'd get some new seed, and plant both what you've and the new stuff (labeled separately) and see if the old stuff ends up tasting like licorice again. Wow, that's weird. Basil’s relatives include mint along with rosemary and thyme. Some gardeners also reported that holy basil tastes like aluminum foil when eaten raw. For instance, a cinnamon basil or spicy globe basil may yield a totally unexpected flavor, especially when your taste buds were expecting sweet basil. Both types of parsley come from the Apiaceae family from which we get herbs like celery and dill. Add the basil, cheese, tomatoes, and salt, and process until thoroughly combined and the consistency you like. I personally found its taste close to allspice (also called Jamaica pepper). Taste: Pepper and Clove. Add more salt to taste … It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Another difference has to do with the herbs’ appearance. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried basil when substituting it for fresh. Overview Information Basil is an herb.