Basil is one of the most popular herbs, especially in Italian cuisine. It goes well with Mediterranean dishes and has a taste that cannot be compared to other herbs.
What does basil taste like?
Basil tastes very goodintense and aromatic The fresher the leaves are, the pepperier they taste. They are not really spicy, but actually tend to be sweet. Red basil, Thai basil and lemon basil offer a variety of flavors.
How can the taste of basil be described?
The taste of basil isuniquely aromatic with a very slight spicinessThe aroma of the non-hardy herbs is somewhat reminiscent of pepper, but at the same time they also taste sweet. If basil tastes particularly intense, the plant in question received a lot of sun before the leaves were harvested.
Why does basil sometimes taste bitter?
If basil has a bitter taste, it is because theplant has already flowered before harvestingor is flowering during it. The leaves can still be eaten - but better cooked than raw. When heated, the bitter substances are dissolved again and the bitter note from the basil leaf disappears. But: In principle, basil should not be cooked, but rather heated briefly to preserve the taste as best as possible.
How to use basil in cooking?
Manyclassics of Italian cuisine cannot do without basil. For example, basil, also known as royal herb, is used in the following dishes:
- Pesto: Pureed or ground with oil, pine nuts and parmesan, the delicious sauce is created - perfect with spaghetti.
- Ins alta Caprese: Tomatoes (which are an ideal partner for basil), mozzarella, olive oil, s alt, pepper and basil - that's all you need for this traditional salad.
- Dips for antipasti
What other spices does basil taste good with?
Basil is often used alone, but can also be combined with other Mediterranean herbs such asOregano, rosemary, marjoram and thymeGarlic, Coriander and dried fennel taste great with basil.
Are there varieties of basil that taste different?
The varieties that differ in taste from “normal” basil includeRed basil,Thai basilandLemon basil:
- Red basil tastes more intense than the green version and is also a visual highlight on the plate.
- Thai basil also has a very intense taste and the aroma is reminiscent of aniseed. The Siam Queen variety even tastes a little like licorice.
- Lemon basil says it all, because it tastes fresh and lemony.
Tip
The taste changes when dried
Like most herbs, basil is available in dried form or can be dried yourself at home. However, when using it, you have to know that the taste is not the same as fresh basil. When dried, the basil tastes a little duller and can tend to be bitter. Nevertheless, it is great to use for soups and sauces.
