Thai Basil

Thai Basil, of the variety often sold as Queen of Siam or simply Thai basil, is a Southeast Asian culinary basil essential to Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cooking. Unlike sweet Italian basils, it has a distinct licorice-anise flavor that holds up well to heat, making it a favorite for stir-fries, curries, pho, and noodle dishes. Thai Basil is instantly recognizable by its narrow, pointed green leaves, purple stems, and purple flower spikes. It is an open-pollinated variety that is more heat- and flower-tolerant than sweet basil, retaining flavor even as it blooms. Its sturdy, spicy character and ornamental purple accents make it both a kitchen essential and an attractive garden plant.