Discover the top 10 basil varieties that will delight your taste buds. Whether you choose to grow from seeds or buy seedlings, let yourself be seduced by the incomparable freshness of this iconic aromatic herb.
An Olfactory and Gustatory Journey: The History and Aromas of Basil
Originating from the tropical regions of Asia, basil has conquered our kitchens with its unique aromatic profile. Its subtle notes of nutmeg, anise, and clove blend wonderfully with lemon, garlic, and tomato, creating symphonies of flavors.
The Secret to Unrivaled Freshness: Growing Your Own Basil
To truly appreciate the richness of this condiment herb, nothing beats the freshness of freshly picked leaves. Say goodbye to wilted supermarket packets and cultivate your own source of flavors!
Top 10 Basil Varieties: A World of Colors and Flavors
With over 150 varieties across the globe, basil offers incredible diversity. Here is a selection of the 10 most popular varieties... and a few gems to discover:
- Sweet Basil: The classic, with its green and oval leaves (about 30 cm high).
- Fine Leaf Basil: Small, smooth, bright green leaves with a delicately spicy aroma.
- Thai Basil: A journey to Asia with its pointed leaves, purple stems, and a spicy flavor with notes of tarragon and anise. Perfect for stir-fries, soups, and exotic salads.
- Purple Basil: A feast for the eyes and the palate with its purplish leaves and stems, pale pink flowers, and a sweet, peppery taste reminiscent of ginger. Its bushy habit also makes it a beautiful ornamental.
- Lettuce Leaf Basil: Its very large, tender green, crinkled leaves offer a slightly anise-like aroma.
- Lemon Basil: A touch of citrus in your dishes, sauces, infusions, and even your mojitos thanks to its small, light green leaves with a lemony taste.
- Mammoth Basil: Prepare generous pestos with this variety featuring giant, light green leaves and a strong basil aroma. The largest of the varieties!
- Cinnamon Basil: Let yourself be surprised by its intense cinnamon flavor, ideal for teas or to enhance your desserts. Its deep green leaves, purplish stems, and lavender flowers are also very decorative.
- Licorice Basil: An original aniseed flavor for your fruit salads, ice creams, jams, and jellies.
- Peruvian Basil: A subtle blend of mint, oregano, and camphor flavors to season your sauces and infusions.
Good to know: A valuable ally in the garden! Basil naturally repels mosquitoes, flies, and aphids.
Growing Your Basil: The Pleasure of Freshness at Your Fingertips
Two options are available to start your basil cultivation: buying ready-made seedlings or sowing seeds.
Buying Seedlings: Simplicity and Speed
If your garden center offers the variety of your choice or if you want to save time, opt for buying seedlings. Choose healthy plants with vigorous stems and foliage and a beautiful color.
Sowing Seeds: The Satisfaction of Watching it Grow
For organic cultivation or if you are looking for specific varieties, start sowing seeds.
Indoor Growing: You can sow at any time of the year.
Outdoor Growing: Wait until mid-March to start your sowing.
Key Steps for Sowing:
- Wash and disinfect a pot about 15 cm in diameter, ensuring it has drainage holes.
- Fill it with seed starting mix up to 2 cm from the rim.
- Water gently to moisten the soil without soaking it.
- Space about ten basil seeds on the surface and cover them with 5 mm of soil. Moisten again.
- Cover the pot with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place the pot in a fairly warm place (around 21°C / 70°F), as heat promotes germination.
- As soon as the first sprouts appear (about 5 to 10 days later), remove the lid and give your young plants at least 6 hours of light per day.
- When the plants reach 10 cm (about 4 inches) in height, pinch off the top shoots to encourage the development of new branches.
- Keep your plants in a warm and sunny place, ensuring the soil remains moist.
- Remember to turn the pot a quarter turn every 3 to 5 days to keep the stems straight as they reach for the light.
