The Difference Between Basil & Holy Basil

Appearance

• The leaves of holy basil are grey-green in color, coarse to the touch, and have rigged edges. Basil leaves are deep green and tend to be smooth with smooth edges. Both plants can grow more than two-feet tall and two-feet wide. The flower of the basil plant is generally white while the flower of holy basil is lavender in color. Holy basil can also have different color stems, usually white or red.

Taste and Aroma

• Holy basil has a sweet fragrance, and basil has a spicy aroma. Holy basil and basil tends to have sharp flavors when raw, which is similar to other varieties of greens. Basil varieties all have strong flavor and aroma, and leaves will bruise and emit scent easily. Since basil's flavor can be overpowering, use it sparingly until you are sure you like the taste of it.

Cooking

• Holy basil and basil can be cooked or served raw in similar styles. Grind up raw basil in a food processor with pine nuts, garlic and olive oil to make homemade pesto sauce for pasta. Add torn leaves to a soup, stir fry or casserole to add a strong fragrance and fresh, herbal flavor. Also, you can rip the leaves and sprinkle over a side salad, grilled chicken breast, spaghetti or steak to add a sharp, herbal flavor.

  Holy basil is also commonly used in Thai dishes.

Other Uses

• Holy basil is used for medicinal purposes. It is considered a holy plant by Hindus, and is used to ease stress and promote longevity. Medicine is made from the plant, which is used to treat everything from the common cold to cardiac disease. It can also be used to help prevent inflammation. Traditional basil is not commonly used this way, though it too could possibly be used to help prevent inflammation.

  Also, basil and holy basil leaves can be dried and mixed into potpourri.