Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 'Cinnamon'

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 'Cinnamon'.

Cinnamon Basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon', or 'Thai Basil', is a unique herb with a spicy sweetness and aromatic essence that is less diminished by cooking than more sweet Basils. It can be used in various dishes to enhance the flavor of both sweet and savory recipes. For example, adding cinnamon basil to a morning smoothie or steeping it in hot water for a fragrant cinnamon-basil tea is a great way to enjoy it.

In baking, cinnamon basil can be used in muffins, breads, cakes, and cookies to add a hint of spice. It pairs well with fruits like apples, pears, and berries, making it an excellent addition to banana bread recipes or flavoring sugar cookies.

Desserts can be made with cinnamon basil, particularly delicious with chocolate. Pestos, marinades, and salad dressings are great alternatives to traditional basil. Cinnamon basil complements the flavors of chicken, pork, and lamb, making it a great addition to meat and poultry dishes.

Cinnamon basil is also good for vegetables, especially sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash. It can be sprinkled over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a unique flavor. It can also be added to tomato-based soups or stews for an extra layer of flavor.

In rice dishes, cinnamon basil can be mixed into pilaf or risotto, or sprinkled over quinoa or couscous for a fragrant side. Cinnamon basil can also be used in marinades and salad dressings, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Herbal teas and infusions can be made by infusing cinnamon basil in olive oil or vinegar, making it a flavorful condiment, or adding it to breakfast dishes like oatmeal or yogurt.

Cultivation is the same as for other varieties of Basil, warm sunny spot, moist soil but not saturated and sow seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Sow a few seeds every ten days or so for successive supply of young leaves.