Purple Basil

What Is Purple Basil?

Purple basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens) is a basil variety of the same species as green basil, known for varieties such as “Dark Opal” and “Purple Ruffles.” The dark purple-violet color of its leaves comes from a natural pigment called anthocyanin.

Its aroma is very similar to green basil; it has a sweet, slightly clove-like flavor, and some varieties also have a slight cinnamon note. Its main difference is its visual effect and the result it creates in products (vinegar, oil) by imparting its color.

Purple Basil Nutrition Facts

Because purple basil is the same species as green basil (Ocimum basilicum) and the USDA does not provide separate data for the purple variety, the values from the encyclopedia’s green basil entry are used with an approximate marker: 100 grams of fresh leaves contain about 23 kcal of energy and a notable amount of vitamin K.

What Are the Benefits of Purple Basil?

Like green basil, purple basil is an herb that can be considered part of a balanced diet; it has also attracted interest in some studies because of its anthocyanin content, but these findings have not become a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; purple basil is a plant and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Purple Basil

Fresh purple basil should be a dark, vivid purple-violet color and not wilted; leaves that have darkened or turned black have lost their freshness.

• The leaves should be a dark, vivid purple-violet; a dull appearance is a sign of staleness.
• The stem should be upright and firm; wilted, leaning stems indicate that it is no longer fresh.
• A sweet, clove-like aroma when smelled is the same freshness criterion as for green basil.

How to Store Purple Basil

Trim the stem ends and keep the bunch standing in a glass of water at room temperature; it stays fresh for 3–5 days. Refrigeration is not recommended because the cold may cause its leaves to darken, as with green basil.

Using Purple Basil in the Kitchen

Purple basil is mostly used raw in salads and as a plate garnish to create color contrast; it is also often used to impart its color to vinegar and oil.

How to Make Purple Basil Vinegar

Add fresh purple basil leaves to a bottle of white vinegar and leave it in a dark place for a few weeks; during this process, the anthocyanin in the leaves transfers to the vinegar, giving it a vivid pink-purple color.

How to Use Purple Basil in Salads

Add finely chopped or whole leaves to green salads, tomato slices, or mozzarella platters to provide both color and an aromatic layer.

What Recipes Use Purple Basil?

It is used in colorful salads, purple basil vinegar, tomato and mozzarella platters, and pesto variations as a garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does purple basil taste different from green basil?

Their aromas are largely similar; it has a sweet, slightly clove-like flavor, and some purple varieties may also have a slight cinnamon note.

Why is purple basil purple?

The natural pigment called anthocyanin in its leaves creates the dark purple-violet color; this is a differently colored variety of the same species, not a separate plant.

Can purple basil be used in pesto?

It can; however, because the sauce may turn a dark grayish color, green basil is generally preferred for pesto, while the purple variety is more often added as a garnish.

How do you grow purple basil?

It needs the same conditions as green basil; with plenty of sun, warm weather, and regular watering, it can be grown easily in a pot or garden.

Where can you find purple basil?

It may be available in the fresh herb sections of large grocery stores and at some neighborhood markets; it can also be purchased as a seedling and grown easily at home.