What is the Difference Between Thai Basil and Sweet Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herb that belongs to the mint family. They have glossy, deep green color and oblong, pointed leaves on a green stem. Thai basil and sweet basil are two of the most popular types of basil.

What is the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil? Thai basil has purple stems and its flavor is strong, spicy, and licorice, while sweet basil has green stems and its flavor is a mild, sweet, and peppery taste.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Thai Basil 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Sweet Basil
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Thai Basil and Sweet Basil
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Thai Basil and Sweet Basil
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Thai Basil and Sweet Basil
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Thai Basil, Sweet Basil

What is Thai Basil

Thai basil is a type of basil that comes from Southeast Asia. It’s part of the basil family (Ocimum basilicum) and is mainly used in Thai and other Asian cooking.

Thai basil has narrow, shiny green leaves with slightly jagged (serrated) edges. It has purple stems. When it blooms, it has purple flower stalks with small pink-purple flowers. It’s a small, sturdy plant that usually grows up to about 45 cm tall. Like other plants in the mint family, its stems are square-shaped, and the leaves grow opposite each other.

Thai basil has a sweet, anise-like (licorice) taste with a light spiciness, which is quite different from the mild, peppery taste of sweet basil. Moreover, Thai basil’s sturdy leaves can handle heat and long cooking times without losing their flavor. This makes it useful for dishes like Thai curries, stir-fries, and soups.

What is Sweet Basil

Sweet basil is a type of basil that has a mild, slightly sweet, and peppery taste. It’s one of the most popular kinds of basil, especially in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. People often use sweet basil to make pesto, sauces, and soups. It’s also common in South Asian dishes because it holds up fairly well in hot cooking. But too much heat can still make the leaves wilt and lose flavor.

Sweet basil is a short-lived plant and generally lasts only one season. In fact, it’s considered an annual herb that needs to be replanted every year.

Similarities Between Thai Basil and Sweet Basil

1. Both are types of basil plants from the Ocimum basilicum family.
2. They have green leaves and are used fresh in cooking.
3. Both add flavor and aroma to dishes, especially in sauces, salads, and soups.

Difference Between Thai Basil and Sweet Basil

Definition

• Thai basil is a type of basil with a spicy, anise-like flavor, often used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, whereas sweet basil is a mild, slightly sweet basil commonly used in Italian cooking, like pesto and pasta sauces.

Flavor

• Thai basil has a strong licorice and slightly spicy flavor, whereas sweet basil has a milder, sweeter taste with light peppery notes.

Appearance

• Thai basil has purple stems and narrow, slightly serrated leaves, while sweet basil has green stems and broader, softer, smooth-edged leaves.

Plant Size and Shape

• Thai basil plants are usually more compact and upright, while sweet basil plants tend to be larger, bushier, and softer.

Cooking Temperatures

• Thai basil holds up well under high heat and keeps its bold flavor in hot dishes, while sweet basil wilts easily and loses flavor when cooked too long or at high heat.

Growing Seasons

• Thai basil is a perennial and can live for up to two years or more, whereas sweet basil is an annual and usually lasts only one season.

Common Uses

• Thai basil is mostly used in Asian dishes, like Thai curries, stir-fries, and soups, whereas sweet basil is mainly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, like pesto, caprese salad, and pasta sauces.

FAQ: Thai Basil and Sweet Basil

1. Is sweet basil the same as Thai basil?

No, sweet basil is not the same as Thai basil. Sweet basil has a mild, sweet taste, whereas Thai basil has a stronger, spicy licorice flavor.

2. Which kind of basil is best for cooking?

The best type of basil depends on the recipe you’re making. Sweet basil is best for Italian and Mediterranean cooking, while Thai basil is best for Asian dishes.

3. How is sweet basil different from regular basil?

Sweet basil is actually the most common type of regular basil, but it has a milder, slightly sweet and peppery taste, while other basil types, like Thai or lemon basil, have stronger or different flavors.

4. What type of basil is most used?

Sweet basil is the most commonly used type of basil, especially in cooking for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It’s commonly used in recipes like pesto, pasta sauces, and salads.

5. What is another name for sweet basil?

Another name for sweet basil is Genovese basil or Italian basil. It’s one of the most popular types of basil used in kitchens around the world.

Reference:

1. “Thai Basil.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Sweet Basil.” Animals – San Diego Zoo.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Thai basil with flowers” (CC0) By Risacher – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Sweet basil plant, vegetable, vegetation” (CC0) via Pixino