Thai Holy Basil Vs Thai Basil

December 23, 2023 Post a Comment

Thai holy basil vs thai basil

Holy basil is another type of basil native to Southeast Asia, and it's easy to confuse it with Thai basil, as it's sometimes referred to as "Thai holy basil." But the two actually belong to different species — holy basil belongs to the Ocimum tenuiflorum species, and Thai basil belongs to the Ocimum basilicum species.

What are the two types of Thai basil?

Two types of holy basil are used in Thailand: red holy basil and white holy basil. The difference between white and red holy basil is the latter is more pungent.

What's the difference between basil and holy basil?

While holy basil leaves may be green or purple leaves, basil has bright green leaves. Holy basil leaves grow oppositely along a square, hairy stem. In contrast, though basil leaves grow oppositely from square stems, their stem is smooth.

What flavor is Thai holy basil?

So what's the flavor difference between Thai Basil and Holy Basil? Thai Basil has a distinct licorice or some say aniseed flavor. Holy Basil has a peppery, with a hint of clove taste. Some people say it's so intense that it almost has a numbing effect to your tongue like a Sichuan pepper.

Who should not use holy basil?

Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.

Which holy basil for Thai cooking?

Many people confuse it with Thai Sweet Basil (horapa in Thai), which is a slightly sharper herb with a hint of liquorice. There are a few different varieties of Tulsi or the holy basil and the one used in Thai cooking is called Thai Holy Basil or Kra Pao.

Which basil is best for Thai food?

Thai basil is a variety of basil (Ocimum basilicum) best known for its use in Asian and Thai cuisine. Unlike its cousin, Italian basil (aka Genovese basil), Thai basil has sturdy, resilient leaves that stand up well to extended cooking times and prolonged heat.

What is the most flavorful basil?

The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil Thanks to its incredible fragrance and flavor, sweet basil is one of the most popular and widely used herbs around the world.

Can I use holy basil instead of basil?

You can replace holy basil with regular (Genovese or sweet) basil; however, the plate will miss the strong peppery flavor that holy basil has. So, if you really want to eat and taste the same flavor you would do in Thailand, holy basil should no be replaced (even less with regular one).

Why is holy basil called holy?

As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from Asia to Europe, it became known to Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil and was used in rituals. Across cultures, Tulsi was a symbol of purity and used for a range of physical, mental and spiritual purposes.

Is holy basil a mosquito repellent?

Holy Basil is an effective plant-based mosquito repellent that keeps insects and mosquitoes at bay. As stated by various reports and studies, this plant is particularly effective in getting rid of mosquitoes and other insects, especially during monsoons.

Does holy basil make you sleepy?

Because of its calming effects, you may be wondering if holy basil can make you sleepy or reduce your energy, but in fact, holy basil does neither. Consuming the herb just helps you maintain balance, so you feel good during the day, and ready to rest by the time you hit the pillow.

What do you use holy basil for in cooking?

Holy basil is an important ingredient in one of the more famous Thai street dishes, chicken with Holy basil or 'gai pad grapow'. In many Thai stir fry dishes, Holy basil is used as an aromatic with garlic, fish sauce and chilies to impart flavor into meat, fish, or chicken.

What is Thai holy basil used for?

Holy basil is sometimes called "hot basil" because of its peppery taste. Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling. They also might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Holy basil oil might act as an antioxidant.

What kind of basil is used in pho?

Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Thai Basil is an essential ingredient when we make pho, a Vietnamese soup with broth, noodles, meat, and vegetables. But, we also use it liberally in salads, curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. The plants are beautiful with deep green leaves and reddish-purple stems and flowers.

Can holy basil cause high blood pressure?

Tulsi leaves or holy basil is known to be an effective treatment for high blood pressure. According to the journal Studies of Ethno-Medicine, combination of neem and tulsi was beneficial to lower the blood pressure levels due to their active compounds.

Does holy basil affect estrogen?

Holy basil can also stimulate the secretion of insulin, an important hormone involved in blood sugar regulation. And as a plant with anti-fertility properties, it also can also affect testosterone and estrogen.

Can holy basil make you jittery?

The side effects of holy basil. While holy basil cortisol benefits typically serve to lower cortisol levels, there is a possibility that you may feel the reverse response, which can lead you to side effects such as feeling wired, jittery, and anxious.

Are there different types of Thai basil?

With over 40 cultivars of basil, this abundance of flavors, aromas, and colors leads to confusion when identifying specific cultivars. Three types of basil are commonly used in Thai cuisine.

Is holy basil warming or cooling?

Holy basil carries the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes, and generates a warming influence on the physiology. The holy basil leaf is predominantly Kapha-reducing, but it can also be used to pacify Vata and Pitta. It can, however, have a mildly Pitta-aggravating effect in people who are severely overheated.