Ocimum species.......... Basil Varieties

This bushy annual first came from tropical Asia and has been enhancing fresh tomato dishes, pesto, pizza, and spaghetti sauce ever since. Historically, basil is the herb that symbolizes love. The basils prefer full sun, and as long as the seed heads that form are removed, they will produce an abundance of leaves. An ounce of fresh leaves, more flavorful than dried, is a good source of calcium and an excellent source of vitamin A. The foliage, either minced or whole, can be stored in plastic bags in the freezer for long periods of time.

Basil is known medicinally for its ability to relieve intestinal gas, and oils extracted from the leaves are used in the perfume industry. Several varieties of Basil are known for their attractive foliage effects in the garden, such as Spicy Globe and African Blue. The purple varieties provide superb contrast for orange or yellow flowering plants. Cuban Basil and the miniatures, furnished with a southern location and adequate sized pot can decorate your windowsill throughout the seasons. We offer about forty-two different Basils, from the common to the unusual varieties, for the more adventurous to choose from.

Tbe following is a small sampling...

African Blue Basil is a tall, sturdy grower reaching up to twenty-four inches in height. Its purple and green mottled leaves and purple flower spikes are an eye catcher in the garden and look lovely in fresh flower arrangements. The leaves of this basil are an interesting addition to garden salads.

Anise (Licorice) Basil is simply wonderful for its unusual flavor and scent. The stems are purplish and the green leaves are tinged with an outline of purple. The anise flavored leaves add a colorful touch to garden salads, pasta, and vinegars.

Cinnamon Basil is eye appealing in the garden with its cinnamon-colored stems and large green-leaved foliage. This basil grows twenty-four inches in height and the leaves offer a subtle cinnamon flavor and aroma, which adds a unique flavor to salad and pasta dishes.

Cuban Basil, reaching twelve inches high, is an upright grower with light green miniature leaves. In our 17 years of experience with this plant, it is the best basil for growing indoors on the windowsill, with its strong growth and ability to withstand cooler temperatures. The flavor of the leaves is similar to Sweet Basil, though spicier, and its fresh leaves are great to have the year round.

Miniature Basil has a good cooking flavor which is similar to Sweet Basil. This basil reaches ten inches in height, and because of its compact light green growth does nicely on the windowsill or patio. It can also be used as a garden edging and is superb for small gardens.

'Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil has a strong lemony fragrance and taste. Its flavor is popular in Asian cooking and adds a nice accent to fish and meat dishes. This basil is a sturdy grower with rich-green leaves and reaches twenty-four inches in height. Try this appetizing basil in a refreshing tea or in your next pasta dish.

Spicy Globe Basil has sphere-shaped, light green growth that reaches fifteen inches in height. This plant draws attention in herb gardens and is valued in kitchens for its strong flavor enhancing leaves.

Sweet Basil is by far the most popular basil. The large green leaves of this favorite add an irresistible flavor to fresh or cooked tomatoes, pesto, and Italian sauces. Planted in full sun and rich soil, this plant can reach thirty inches in height and will produce an abundance of leaves. No garden is complete without this treasured herb.

'Thai' Seed Basil is native to Thailand and Burma and is used extensively in Thai and Indian cooking. Compared to regular basil, it has a darker leaf and a slight anise flavor. Its seed is used as a decoration on desserts and as a topping for ice cream. Soaked in water before use, the seeds increase up to eight times their original size. On desserts they resemble tapioca, adding a distinctive quality and texture.

Well-Sweep Miniature Purple Basil was developed at Well-Sweep Herb Farm in 1974 when Cyrus Hyde, the proprietor, crossed a large-leafed purple basil with a tiny, green-leafed miniature basil. Over a period of three to four years, crosses were made, seeds were kept, and the best offspring of each of these crosses were selected. The end result was a miniature basil with tiny purple leaves. Growing into a purple mound about six inches wide and eight inches high, this basil is very showy and decorative. It has a good flavor for cooking, and the plant's tiny purple leaves are a pleasant accent to salads, pastas, and meat dishes. It can be used to tint herb vinegars and oils a burgundy color.

Special Events

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1