Herbs & Seasonings - Purple Basil?

[Chuck S]

I was at the nursery the other day and purchased two 'regular' green basil plants as well as a "purple basil". The purple one looks completely different than the green and has ruffled leaves. The fragrance is similar, do you use it in cooking the same way as the more traditional green basil or is it just ornamental?

Thanks for your replies :)

[Snowwark]

Hi Chuck S! :)

Here's a link to Purple Basil Hints and Tips (http://www.freshherbs.com/hints_and_tips/purple_basil/purple_basil.html) . Sounds yummy.....:)

Anyone else growing purple basil?

Kim :)

[Chuck S]

Thank you for the link, Snowwark.

I like to add fresh chopped basil leaves to Mac & Cheese, along with fresh roasted garlic.

Another quick favorite of mine is to boil about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of a pasta that will toss easily. After boiliing and draining the pasta, add 4 fresh chopped small to medium tomatoes, garlic (a full head) that has been thinly sliced and lightly roasted in a skillet with olive oil, a very generous amount of chopped basil and Kalamata (sp) olives. (All ingredient amounts adjustable to taste.)

After tossing the pasta, garnish with a little parmesan cheese.

I'll bet my purple basil will really add some color!

[Mamu]

There is nothing like fresh herbs. Once you've tasted fresh, like anything else it's hard to go back to jarred.

There a many different varieties of basil. I only plant the green (love pesto) but have often thought purple pesto would be interesting.

Here is a web site with some varieties. Basil (http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/herbs/basil.html)

[Snowwark]

I printed out your recipe Chuck, thank you, it sounds great!!!! :) Mmmm.....garlic!! :)

Cool link Mamu, thanks! :)


Kim :)