Purple and green basil: what is the difference?

Useful properties of basil were disclosed by people for a very long time. Back in ancient times, basil was used as a vitamin seasoning for various dishes, and was also a part of healing potions. You can read more about this plant and what the difference between green and purple basil is in this article.

Description of species

Sometimes next to this plant is used another name: sweet, ordinary basil, and many others. The plant is a bush and is included in the family of Lambs. You can meet both annual and perennial species. The plant in the course of growth appear small flowers of a pleasant pink or white color.

Most often the leaves have a long and oblong shape. Along the edges of each leaflet can be found cloves.You can find a plant almost everywhere: India, China, Iran - this is just a small list of countries.

Differences between green and purple basil

Despite the many species of this plant, all can be combined into two large groups:

• Basil green.
• Basil purple.

Each group has its own differences, and several are discussed below. So, the difference between the two main types of basil is as follows:

1. In taste. Green basil has a mild flavor and can be found in European dishes. Many desserts are prepared with the addition of this plant. Violet has a rich spicy taste and is well suited for Caucasian and Asian cuisine, where exactly the sharpness is preferred.
2. In the aroma. It is logical that green basil has a delicate smell. Especially distinguished lemon variety, known for its pleasant aroma and used because of this in a variety of refreshing drinks. Violet basil has a sharp smell, and you can almost immediately find it on the market based on the fragrance that comes from it.
3. In color. The green and purple basil leaves have a corresponding color, and therefore it is easy to distinguish one variety from another.

Each species is amazing in its own way, and each has beneficial and nutrient benefits that positively affect the state of the body. No wonder basil is still used to create medicines.

Top Grades

All species have varieties that are rightfully recognized as the best, and both species of the described plant are no exception. Therefore it is worthwhile to consider in more detail a few good varieties.

For starters, attention can be paid to green basil. Among the most famous varieties include:

1. Basilisk. It is considered a variety that can be grown both at home and in the summer cottage. In height reaches a little over twenty meters. The cap of the leaves is quite rich, the size of the leaves themselves is small. The first harvest can be harvested after two months from the first shoots of the plant.
2. Clove. It differs in that it grows high (up to 60 cm), and has long leaves of green color. It is also grown on summer cottages or at home, has a rich smell and resembles a clove to taste. Often found in salads and meat dishes as a seasoning.
3. Greek. A small pleasant bush, which reaches a height of only 15 cm. This plant is sometimes decorated with an interior and is valued for its pleasant sweetish smell. Suitable for decorating Italian dishes.
4. Caramel Named so thanks to its pleasant caramel and fruit flavor. The first cut can be done after a month of emergence. Among the features of the basil can be noted high yields.

Also without attention should not be left and varieties of purple basil. Here are the following varieties:

1. Thai. This plant has smooth leaves of dark violet color. Basil itself is distinguished by its bright spicy aroma, for which it is appreciated by representatives of Asian cuisine.
2. Yerevan During growth, the plant blooms and is covered with small flowers, which have a pleasant pale pink color.
3. Opal. The variety is very popular and attracts many with its pronounced peppery smell. As for taste, you can find clove notes in it. Often used to add to sauces, salads, vinegars.

The use of basil in cosmetology and medicine

One of the ways to use basil is to make an essential oil from it. The leaves of the plant contain a sufficiently large amount of this extract, and among the beneficial properties can be noted bactericidal, that is, the substances contained in the basil, are able to fight the harmful bacteria that are found in the human body.

Therefore, basil is valued in both cosmetology and medicine. For example, due to its properties, it is possible to carry out prevention of respiratory diseases. Also, thanks to the basilica, you can significantly strengthen the immune system and at the same time get rid of various infections that penetrate into the body.

Thanks to rinsing the mouth with a solution with basil leaves, you can improve the condition of the oral cavity: get rid of bad breath, strengthen teeth and gums. The only thing that needs to be considered is that you shouldn't chew the leaves. The fact is that they contain mercury compounds, and this can harm the teeth.

Storage

Storage of basil should be carried out correctly. First, torn leaves should be protected from the rays of sunlight. For example, you can first put the crop in water and keep it in this way for two weeks.Another way is to cover the leaves with a package and secure the design with rubber bands.

If you want to ensure long-term storage, it is recommended to freeze basil. To start, the leaves will need to be washed, dried and only then folded into the freezer, having prepared a container for them in advance.

Contraindications

Another disadvantage is the presence of mercury compounds in the leaves. Healthy people can eat basil safely, but eating this plant can be detrimental to people with diabetes or hypertension.

Most doctors advise not to add basil in food to children of preschool age, in order not to exert pressure on the body, causing the occurrence of allergic reactions.

But, despite the contraindications, basil still remains a useful and nutritious plant that can benefit the body and fill it with vitamins and other substances that positively affect the physical state.

Video: Basil's Useful Properties