| Cinnamon basil | |
|---|---|
 Flowering cinnamon basil in late summer | |
| Species | Ocimum basilicum |
| Cultivar | 'Cinnamon' |
Cinnamon basil is a type of basil (Ocimum basilicum). The term "cinnamon basil" can refer to a number of different varieties of basil, including as a synonym for Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora), as a particular cultivar of Thai basil, [1] and as a separate cultivar in its own right (i.e., O. basilicum 'Cinnamon'). [2] [3] [4] This article discusses the latter type.
Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, [5] has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, giving it a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon. [6] Cinnamon basil has somewhat narrow, slightly serrated, dark green, shiny leaves with reddish-purple veins, which can resemble certain types of mint, and produces small, pink flowers from July to September. [5] [7] [4] [8] Its stems are dark purple. [9] Cinnamon basil grows to 18–30 inches tall. [3]
Cinnamon basil is an easy-to-grow herb. It requires six to eight hours of bright sunlight per day. Although it is often grown as an annual, it is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11. Cinnamon basil is sometimes planted near tomatoes and roses to discourage pests such as whiteflies. [4]
Cinnamon basil is used in teas and baked goods such as cookies and pies. [4] [2] It is also used in pastas, salads, jellies, and vinegars. [5] [7] Outside the kitchen, cinnamon basil is used in dried arrangements and as a potpourri. [7]
Cinnamon basil was taken into space by the Space Shuttle Endeavour during STS-118 and grown in an experiment in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station. [10]
Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.
Eggplant, aubergine, brinjal, or baigan (GY) is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit.
Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as sweet basil or Genovese basil. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In temperate climates basil is treated as an annual plant, however, basil can be grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial in warmer horticultural zones with tropical or Mediterranean climates.
Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. Linalool has multiple commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent. A colorless oil, linalool is classified as an acyclic monoterpenoid. In plants, it is a metabolite, a volatile oil component, an antimicrobial agent, and an aroma compound. Linalool has uses in manufacturing of soaps, fragrances, food additives as flavors, household products, and insecticides. Esters of linalool are referred to as linalyl, e.g. linalyl pyrophosphate, an isomer of geranyl pyrophosphate.
Ocimum is a genus of aromatic annual and perennial herbs and shrubs in the family Lamiaceae, native to the tropical and warm temperate regions of all 6 inhabited continents, with the greatest number of species in Africa. It is the genus of basil and its best known species are the cooking herb great basil, O. basilicum, and the medicinal herb tulsi, O. tenuiflorum.
Thai basil called káu-chàn-thah in Taiwan, is a type of basil native to Southeast Asia that has been cultivated to provide distinctive traits. Widely used throughout Southeast Asia, its flavor, described as anise- and licorice-like and slightly spicy, is more stable under high or extended cooking temperatures than that of sweet basil. Thai basil has small, narrow leaves, purple stems, and pink-purple flowers.
Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, is a hybrid between basil and American basil. The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking.
African blue basil is a hybrid basil variety, a cross between camphor basil and dark opal basil. It is one of a few types of basil that are perennial. African blue basil plants are sterile, unable to produce seeds of their own, and can only be propagated by cuttings.
Mrs. Burns' Lemon basil is an heirloom cultivar of sweet basil from New Mexico in the United States. Compared to lemon basil, which is a different species of basil, in Mrs. Burns lemon basil the lemon flavor is more intense, the leaves are larger, and the plant itself is more robust.
Magical Michael basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum. The plants reliably grow to 15 inches tall and 16–17 inches wide. This degree of uniformity is unusual in basil varieties. The flowers of the plant are also unusual, with purple calyxes and white corollas. The flavor is similar to sweet basil. Magical Michael is a past winner of the All-American Selection award.
Red rubin basil is an improved variety of Dark opal basil. Like many culinary basils, it is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum. This basil variety has unusual reddish-purple leaves, and a stronger flavour than sweet basil, making it most appealing for salads and garnishes. It is a fast-growing annual herb that reaches a height of approximately 70 cm (2.3 ft).
Dark opal basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, developed by John Scarchuk and Joseph Lent at the University of Connecticut in the 1950s. With deep purple, sometimes mottled leaves, it is grown as much for its decorative appeal as for its culinary value. Dark opal basil was a 1962 winner of the All-American Selection award.
Osmin purple basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum with dark purple leaves. It is distinguished from other purple basil varieties by smaller, darker leaves. It has the darkest leaves of any purple basil variety. The plant averages a height of 50 centimetres (20 in) and is grown in sunny or partially sunny environments.
Methyl cinnamate is the methyl ester of cinnamic acid and is a white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor. It is found naturally in a variety of plants, including in fruits, like strawberry, and some culinary spices, such as Sichuan pepper and some varieties of basil. Eucalyptus olida has the highest known concentrations of methyl cinnamate (98%) with a 2–6% fresh weight yield in the leaf and twigs.
The Brogdenavocado is a named cultivar of avocado that originated in Florida.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to herbs and spices:
Greek basil is a flowering herb and cultivar of basil.