What is Purple Basil good for?

Sat May 08, 2010 1:24 am

I have never planted purple basil so this year I planted some. A friend said purple basil is the only kind of basil he plants so I decided to try some. Now I am wondering what purple basil is good for???

Sat May 08, 2010 1:31 am

It's edible, and can be used just like the green varieties. Some of the purple varieties are said to have a slightly anise-like flavor. I think it would brighten up a salad very nicely.

Sat May 08, 2010 2:05 am

It's also great for accenting any bed of veggies or flowers in areas that are sunnier than coleus would like. For super hot, sunny, dry areas, I grow Red Shiso/Perilla (or more precisely, I don't weed them all out. :roll:

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Sat May 08, 2010 11:29 am

You can use it anywhere you would use green basil, but it has a more intense almost perfumy fragrance. It is beautiful in the garden. I always have a container that has a green basil and a red or purple one together in it-- beautiful!

Fri May 14, 2010 2:47 am

Purple basil is awesome!

I grow lots of Purple Ruffles and am trying the new "Improved Amethyst" from Johnny's; so far the IM has a deep true purple.

Purple basil, as mentioned before, can be used in place of the green basil's, in salads, stir-fry's, pesto, and a lovely smelling garnish for the gourmet's out there!