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Produce Briefs...
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.
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| 10 Barrel Brewing Co. | San Diego CA | 619-886-2743 |
| Cow by Bear | San Diego CA | 415-565-9989 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Mr A's Pastry | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Jeune Et Jolie Bar | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 619-955-8495 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-637-2222 |
| Lola 55 | San Diego CA | 619-727-9282 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Supernatural Sandwich (Miramar) | San Diego CA | 858-831-7835 |
| Lumi (Pastry) | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Pacific Coast Spirits Bar | Oceanside CA | 925-381-5392 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| International Smoke Del Mar | San Diego CA | 702-683-7590 |
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Viejas Casino Ginger Noodle | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 303-877-5052 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-925-7552 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| True Food-Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-810-2929 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Ska Bar & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-230-5038 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
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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Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Centinela Blvd
Near Venice, California, United States3760 S Centinela Blvd Los Angeles CA 90066 310-398-2113 About 372 days ago, 6/28/19 
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Costa Mesa
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States665 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-557-6699 About 379 days ago, 6/21/19 Fat Cat Organics, Cullman AL Near Cullman, Alabama, United States About 687 days ago, 8/17/18 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-930-0815 About 714 days ago, 7/21/18 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Atkins Nursery
Near Del Mar, California, United States3129 Reche Rd, Fallbrook 92028 760-728-1610 About 728 days ago, 7/07/18 Sharer's comments : Thai Basil spotted at Del Mar Farmers Market. |
