What is Thai basil?

by Cookthink

The term "Thai basil" can refer to three different types of basil common in Thai cooking -- Queen of Siam basil, Holy Basil or Horapa basil. Horapa is the most commonly used Thai basil in the United States. It has purple stems, small greenish purple leaves, and a licoricey taste that is different from Italian sweet basil. Thai basil adds a subtle anise flavor and perfume when added to hot soups, stir-fries or curries just before serving. Or it can be eaten fresh in salads, wrapped in a lettuce leaf with mint, or fried in spring rolls. Recipe: Beef Pho (Cookthink) Recipe: Thai Carrot-Cucumber Salad (Cookthink) Reference: What is pho? (Cookthink) Reference: What is sriracha? (Cookthink)