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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Thai basil is a perennial herb, that grows as a small, multi-branched shrub, reaching up to a foot in height. It has narrow, arrow-shaped leaves that are about half the size of common sweet basil leaves. Thai basil has purple-tinged stems, which offer a nice contrast to the bright green leaves. The leaves are aromatic and have a strong, spicy flavor with hints of licorice. Some varieties have larger leaves, and some have a purple hue. When the plant matures, spikes of lavender and deep purple flowers grow at the tops of the burgundy stems. The flowers share the same intense spice and hint of licorice flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Thai basil is available year-round.
Current Facts
Thai basil is a cultivated Asian variety of sweet basil known for its spicier flavor and its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures. Botanically, Thai basil is classified as Ocimum basilicum var. tenuiflorum though it is sometimes known under the botanical name Ocimum thyrsiflorum. In Thailand, Thai basil is known as bai horapha. It is sometimes confused with holy basil, which has slightly fuzzy leaves with more of a clove flavor.
Nutritional Value
Thai basil has notably high levels of vitamins K and A, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Basil is known for its beneficial essential oil, which contains eugenol – a natural compound that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Applications
Thai basil is a very common ingredient in the cuisines of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It is used to infuse flavor into broths and soups, like the traditional Phô (pronounced ‘Fuh’), and Thai green curry. The herb is added at the end of the cooking process to retain its aroma and flavor. Add Thai basil to Pad Thai noodles, meat or chicken stir-fry dishes. Use Thai basil versus the common sweet basil for a pesto with a hint of licorice flavor. Add whole leaf clusters to cocktails and beverages like lemonade, as a garnish and aromatic. Thai basil can be used in sweet applications as well, added to fruit salads or desserts made with tropical fruits like mango. Chiffonade leaves by laying individual leaves on top of one another, rolling them up together widthwise, and then slicing into thin strips. To store Thai basil, cut the ends and place in a glass of water, much like a bouquet of flowers. It can be left on the counter this way. It is recommended that Thai basil not be refrigerated, though it can be for up to a week when wrapped in plastic. Thai basil also freezes well if washed and thoroughly dried before sealing in an airtight bag or container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Thai basil is a kitchen staple in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, where it received its common name. It is a main ingredient in pad gra prow, a stir-fry beef dish, as well as gai pad krapow, made with chicken. It is popularly used in Taiwanese cuisine, and many stir-fry dishes where it can stand up to the high heat of the wok.
Geography/History
Thai basil is native to Southeast Asia, and it is believed to have originated in Thailand. Generally, any purple stemmed basil with a licorice flavor is considered to be ‘Thai basil’. There are a few recognized varieties, such as Queenette and Siam Queen. Thai basil is a tender plant, and does not survive in overly cold temperatures; it thrives in the humid, tropical and sub-tropical environments. Thai basil has become a well-known, popular herb with the rise of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines around the world.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| The Rose | San Diego CA | 619-572-7671 |
| Viejas Casino Ginger Noodle | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Bound Coffee | Oceanside CA | 760-805-3505 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| The Wise Ox | San Diego CA | 619-851-0672 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Bang Bang 2021 | San Diego CA | 352-988-3742 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 619-863-9033 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Jeune Et Jolie Bar | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Misadventure & Co. | Vista CA | 413-668-6895 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Animae (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| International Smoke Del Mar | San Diego CA | 619-331-4528 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| Ska Bar & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 925-487-2025 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Le Papagayo (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 949-235-5862 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Miho (Delivery) | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Crab Hut | San Diego CA | 858-860-5225 |
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.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Huntington Park Farmers Market
Gourmet Specialty Farm
Near Bell, California, United StatesVentura, CA About 39 days ago, 6/16/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 50 days ago, 6/05/21 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil from Coleman Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 101 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 109 days ago, 4/07/21 |
