Licorice Basil
Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Licorice basil, a Western strain of Thai basil, is also known as anise basil as it has distinctive anise flavored qualities and aromatics. It is a lanky plant with pointed green leaves and signature burgundy tinted spiked flowers. Both the leaves and the flowers are edible. Unlike sweet basil, it is far more pungent making it one of the more intensely flavored and perfumed basil varieties.
Seasons/Availability
Licorice basil is available during the summer season.
Current Facts
Licorice basil’s flavor is due to a chemical called anethole, an aromatic compound that occurs widely in nature in essential oils that are produced within the plant.
Applications
Licorice basil leaves and flowers that are crushed will burst with intense basil and licorice aromas, making a fragrant and floral-spicy paste and condiment for multiple culinary uses. It is best mixed with other ingredients to tame its powerful one-dimensional notes.