Thai Basil - Benefits And Culinary Application

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Video: Thai Basil - Benefits And Culinary Application

Video: Thai Basil - Benefits And Culinary Application
Video: Kitchen Tips !! For Your Thai Herbs • Sweet Basil & Holy Basil | ThaiChef food 2024, December
Thai Basil - Benefits And Culinary Application
Thai Basil - Benefits And Culinary Application
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Thai basil (O. basilicum var. Thyrsiflora) is a member of the mint family and as such has a particularly sweet taste, reminiscent of anise. It is found in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The name is derived from the ancient Greek word βασιλεύς basileus - king. It is an annual herbaceous plant. The stem is up to 50-60 cm tall, purple in color, with dark green leaves with purple veins.

It grows in sunny places with nutrient-rich soils. Use the above-ground part of the plant fresh, dried or finely chopped and frozen in the freezer. It is harvested in the morning after watering, because then the oil content in it is the highest. It is picked carefully because the stem is very fragile.

Composition of Thai basil

It's considered that Thai basil is rich in calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin C and K. It contains many flavonoids.

Benefits of Thai basil

Thai barefoot
Thai barefoot

Photo: Asia Seeds

Thai basil has many protective and antibacterial properties. Provides reliable protection against the development of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, etc., limiting their growth.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Helps with rheumatoid arthritis, coughs and colds, inflammation of the intestines and more. The rich content of magnesium makes it suitable for people with cardiovascular problems. It is used in patients with diabetes, lowering blood glucose levels. It is suitable for use in aromatherapy treatment, relieving headaches.

Culinary application

Thai basil is used in chicken, beef and pork dishes. It can be added to salads, soups, lasagna, desserts and drinks. Due to the content of volatile oils it must be added at the end of cooking to retain its specific taste and aroma.

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