Thai Basil

[Evansmount]

In my experience, ridiculously easy to grow in pots, very pretty purple flowers on stalks, reseeds itself, decent hot weather substitute for Italian basil when needed - although slightly different flavor, and smaller pointed leaves. Very drought tolerant. And of course, healthy for you. Has been a no-care plant for me. Never tried to grow it in local soil to see if it tolerates poor soils though, because I don't need that much of it.

[LoPresti]

I’ve grown it for years and it’s beautiful, easy, smells amazing and the pollinators love it. I don’t find it a good substitute for my Italian basils though it’s the best for good Thai food.

[roblack]

We grow it every year, and use as Italian basil alt on caprese salad. Better than nothing, but yeah, little different. Just started 2 batches, even the sprouts have great flavor and aroma.

[Galatians522]

Thai basil is great in a beef stir fry. The seeds can be used in a similar way as chia. I just have not figured out a means of easy collection.

[Coconut Cream]

I planted some Holy Basil, which I think is different than what we call Thai Basil. Holy Basil is a key ingredient in Pad Kra Pao, a delicious and super quick stir fried dry curry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYhTo_gb1G8

She talks about the different basils at 4:40 in the video.

[LoPresti]

Thai food is so good. I’ve grown the Holy Basil and it’s much different that others but well loved by many and supposed to be very good for you. I wanted to like it but… My very good friend cooks that Pad Kra Pao but I just stick with the Guy Panang, Massamum, and Pad Prik King. Basil and ground beef is amazing too. I grow kaffir and lots of chilies as well. I need to grow some galanga.

[roblack]

Holy basil is good in a tea. Too strong for food imo, unless you don't want to taste something else. Of course, there are probably dishes that put it to good use, definitely some interesting flavors in there. Seems you would have to go light.

[Kada]

Thai basil for fried meat, tofu and stir fries   holy basil for chicken and pork, famous!  I like holy basil as a herbal tea as well

Sadly a lot of commercial foods called holy basil are untrue and use the Thai basil.