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Thai Basil
Inventory, lb : 177.76
This item was last sold on : 10/04/22
Description/Taste
Thai Basil is a perennial herb that grows to an average of 30 to 45 centimeters in height and spreads about 30 centimeters wide. The narrow, bright-green leaves have serrated edges and are typically smaller and sturdier than those of common sweet basil. They also boast a fresh and spicy fragrance and sometimes have a slight purple tint. When the plant matures, spikes of lavender to dark-violet flowers grow at the tops of the reddish-purple stems. Thai Basil leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible and offer a bold flavor with spicy-sweet notes of anise and black licorice.
Seasons/Availability
Thai Basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Thai Basil is botanically classified as Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora and is a member of the mint family. It’s not just a single plant but rather one of three common groupings of basil cultivars: Thai, sweet, and holy basil. Thai Basil plants are cultivated Asian varieties of sweet basil known for their spicier flavor and ability to withstand high cooking temperatures. While many types of Thai Basil are grown worldwide, the most popularly cultivated is Siam Queen, known for its larger leaves and distinct black licorice flavor. Despite belonging to separate species, Thai Basil is often mistaken for holy basil, also referred to as Thai holy basil. Thai Basil offers a more robust, sweet yet spicy anise-like flavor, while holy basil has a more pepperylove-like taste. Another case of mistaken identity stems from the flavor of Thai Basil, which has led to the nickname Licorice Basil. However, that’s not to be conflated with a variety called licorice or Persian basil, a type of sweet basil with a similar licorice-like flavor.
Nutritional Value
Thai Basil has notably high levels of vitamin A, which is beneficial for healthy eyes and skin, and vitamin K, which promotes bone health. It also offers significant amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. The seeds are edible, and they pack a nutritional punch of magnesium, calcium, and fiber. Basil is known for its essential oil, which includes compounds like eugenol and limonene that possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Applications
Thai Basil is most often used fresh or cooked and is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines like Thai, Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese. Unlike sweet basil, Thai Basil has sturdy and resilient leaves that stand up to prolonged heat and cooking. Hence, it's well-suited for infusing flavor into broths and soups, from traditional Vietnamese Pho to Thai green or Panang curries. While sweet basil may be used as a substitute in some recipes, Thai Basil is worth seeking out for more traditional dishes that highlight the spicy flavor and sturdy texture, such as Vietnamese spring rolls. Vice versa, Thai Basil may be used in place of common sweet basil to impart a bolder herb flavor with a licorice kick. Thai Basil works equally well in simmered dishes, like Taiwanese braised eggplant, high-heat wok stir-fries, and noodle dishes like pad Thai. It pairs well with chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, eggplant, potato, bell pepper, tomato, eggs, rice, garlic, chili, oregano, mint, lemongrass, and coconut milk. Fresh Thai Basil leaves can even be used as a garnish and aromatic in cocktails and beverages like lemonade or used in sweet applications like fruit salads, pairing well with mango, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, figs, and stone fruit. As all parts of the plant are edible, try adding the flowers to salads, chopping the stems into rice, or soaking the seeds, similar to chia seeds, to use in pudding, smoothies, or desserts. Store fresh Thai Basil in a glass of water at room temperature after cutting the ends of the stems, like you would a bouquet of flowers, or wrap in a paper cloth and stored in a bag in the refrigerator for a week or two. Thai Basil can also be dried or frozen to prolong its use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Thai Basil is a kitchen staple in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where it is often regarded as a vegetable rather than simply an herb or garnish. In Thailand, Thai Basil is called Bai Horapa, and in Vietnam, it is known as Rau Huue, which translates as “cinnamon mint.” Thai Basil stars in pad gra prow, a Thai stir-fry beef dish, and gai pad nam prik pao, a famous Thai dish made with chicken and roasted chili paste. Thai Basil is also often served with larb, a minced meat sad that’s one of the most popular dishes of Laos.
Geography/History
Thai Basil is native to Southeast Asia, though its exact origin is somewhat debated since its history of cultivation dates back approximately 5,000 years. Many believe that it originated in either India or Asia and spread to the Mediterranean via ancient spice routes, however some experts now think it might originally have come from Iran. Today, basil is commonly grown in Italy, France, Egypt, Morocco, California, and other warm climates worldwide. Thai Basil can be grown at home or found at specialty stores and Asian markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Coin-Op Game Room | San Diego CA | 818-448-0129 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Hive Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-218-4000 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Weapon MO8 | San Diego CA | 619-883-8525 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Viejas Casino Ginger Noodle | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 619-863-9033 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 805-638-8367 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Jeune Et Jolie Bar | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Weapon LPM | San Diego CA | 619-564-2618 |
| Olivewood Gardens -Donation | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Bang Bang 2021 | San Diego CA | 619-382-8938 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Nolita Hall - Bar | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
| PureTaco | Carlsbad CA | 760-845-3346 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Chef Sebastian LLC | La Jolla CA | 858-740-0878 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| The Compass Bar | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Misadventure & Co. | Vista CA | 413-668-6895 |
| Pendry SD | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| The Wise Ox | San Diego CA | 619-851-0672 |
| Juan Tequila | San Diego CA | 520-395-7565 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
| Ska Bar & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 925-487-2025 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Mabel's Gone Fishing | San Diego CA | 619-228-9851 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Thai Basil. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Thai Basil using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Leucadia Farmer's Market
Sage Hill Ranch Gardens
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 52 days ago, 8/14/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 141 days ago, 5/17/22 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil from Her Produce 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Atkins Nursery
Near Del Mar, California, United States3129 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, CA 760-728-1610 About 172 days ago, 4/16/22 
Geylang Serai Market
Geylang Serai Market
Near Marina Ctr Ter, SingaporeAbout 225 days ago, 2/22/22 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 376 days ago, 9/24/21 Sharer's comments : Thai basil from Schaner Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 401 days ago, 8/30/21 
Bayview Farmer's Market
Cedar Hill Farm
Near Clinton, Washington, United StatesClinton, WA About 403 days ago, 8/28/21 
Huntington Park Farmers Market
Gourmet Specialty Farm
Near Bell, California, United StatesVentura, CA About 476 days ago, 6/16/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 487 days ago, 6/05/21 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil from Coleman Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 538 days ago, 4/15/21 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil from Fresno Evergreens 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 546 days ago, 4/07/21 |
