Key features of Lemon Basil include:
- Lemon Aroma and Flavor: Lemon Basil has bright green leaves with a distinct lemon scent and flavor. The aroma is reminiscent of fresh lemon zest, while the taste adds a zesty and citrusy note to dishes.
- Culinary Uses: Lemon Basil is a popular culinary herb used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. Its unique lemony taste makes it an excellent addition to salads, marinades, dressings, seafood dishes, and desserts.
- Companion Plant: Lemon Basil is sometimes grown alongside other plants to repel pests due to its strong scent, acting as a natural pest deterrent in gardens.
- Herbal Tea: Lemon Basil leaves can be used to make a refreshing herbal tea with a citrusy twist. The tea is enjoyed for its soothing and aromatic qualities.
- Ornamental Use: Apart from its culinary value, Lemon Basil is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens and as a potted herb. Its vibrant green leaves and lemon scent make it an attractive addition to the landscape.
- Medicinal Uses: Like other basil varieties, Lemon Basil is believed to have some potential health benefits due to its essential oils and antioxidant compounds. It may offer mild digestive support and help reduce inflammation.
- Varieties: There are different cultivars of Lemon Basil, each with slight variations in flavor and appearance. Some popular varieties include ‘Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil and ‘Sweet Dani’ Lemon Basil.
When using Lemon Basil in cooking, its delicate flavor is best preserved by adding the leaves towards the end of the cooking process. Lemon Basil pairs well with a wide range of dishes, adding a refreshing and citrusy twist to various culinary creations. Whether in teas, salads, or as a garnish, Lemon Basil is a versatile herb that can add a bright and zesty dimension to your recipes.
Medicinal Uses of Lemon Basil
- Digestive Aid: Lemon Basil, like other basil varieties, is believed to have carminative properties that can help soothe the digestive system. It may aid in relieving indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Mild Relaxant: The lemony aroma of Lemon Basil can have a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system, acting as a mild relaxant and promoting a sense of tranquility.
- Antioxidant Effects: Lemon Basil contains antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a vital role in supporting overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some components found in Lemon Basil’s essential oils, such as eugenol and citronellol, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Aromatic Therapy: The pleasant lemony scent of Lemon Basil makes it a suitable candidate for aromatherapy. Inhaling the aroma may provide relaxation and stress relief.
It’s important to note that while Lemon Basil offers some potential health benefits, its medicinal uses are not as extensively studied or well-documented as those of other basil varieties like Sweet Basil or Holy Basil. As with any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or herbalist before using Lemon Basil for medicinal purposes, especially if you have specific health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health needs and requirements.
Overall, Lemon Basil is best known for its culinary applications, where its delightful lemony flavor and aroma can add a refreshing twist to various dishes and beverages.
Nutrition of Lemon Basil
- Calories: Approximately 27 kcal
- Carbohydrates: About 2.65 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1.6 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 0.3 grams
- Protein: About 3.15 grams
- Fat: Approximately 0.64 grams
- Saturated Fat: Around 0.041 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: Approximately 0.119 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: Around 0.195 grams
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: About 5276 IU (International Units)
- Vitamin C: Approximately 18.0 milligrams
- Vitamin K: Around 414.8 micrograms
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Approximately 68 micrograms
- Minerals:
- Calcium: About 177 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 3.17 milligrams
- Magnesium: Around 64 milligrams
- Potassium: Approximately 295 milligrams
- Other Beneficial Compounds:
- Essential Oils: Lemon Basil contains essential oils like limonene, citral, and geraniol, contributing to its characteristic lemony aroma and flavor.
- Antioxidants: Lemon Basil is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
While Lemon Basil provides some vitamins and minerals, it is typically consumed in small amounts as a culinary herb or as an ingredient in herbal teas. As with other herbs, its nutritional contribution to the diet is relatively minor. The primary appeal of Lemon Basil lies in its delightful lemony flavor and aroma, which can elevate the taste of various dishes, salads, and teas.
Remember that while Lemon Basil is generally safe to consume in reasonable culinary amounts, its medicinal uses and potential interactions with medications should be discussed with a healthcare professional before using it for therapeutic purposes.
Culinary Uses of Lemon Basil
- Salads: Lemon Basil leaves can be torn or chopped and added to green salads, fruit salads, or grain salads to provide a burst of lemony flavor and aroma.
- Marinades and Dressings: Lemon Basil leaves can be infused into marinades for meats or used in homemade salad dressings to add a zesty and citrusy note.
- Seafood Dishes: Lemon Basil pairs particularly well with seafood. It can be used to season fish, shrimp, scallops, and other seafood dishes to complement their natural flavors.
- Pasta Dishes: Lemon Basil can be added to pasta dishes to infuse them with a refreshing lemony taste. It works well with both creamy and light sauces.
- Herbal Teas: Lemon Basil leaves can be used to make a flavorful herbal tea with a citrusy twist. The tea is enjoyed for its soothing and aromatic qualities.
- Sauces: Lemon Basil can be blended into sauces to add a lemony kick to pasta sauces, pesto, or dipping sauces.
- Desserts: In some creative culinary applications, Lemon Basil can be used in desserts. Its lemony flavor can add a surprising and delightful element to sweets like ice cream, sorbet, and fruit-based desserts.
- Infused Water and Beverages: Lemon Basil leaves can be added to water or lemonade for a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
- Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine: Lemon Basil is used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in dishes like Thai green curry and Vietnamese pho. It is an essential ingredient in some regional dishes.
- Herbal Butter and Oils: Lemon Basil can be blended with butter or infused into oils to add a lemony taste to bread, grilled vegetables, and meats.
When using Lemon Basil in cooking, it’s best to add the leaves towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their lemony flavor and aroma. Whether you’re preparing salads, seafood dishes, pasta, or herbal teas, Lemon Basil can be a delightful addition that adds a fresh and zesty dimension to your culinary creations.
Lemon Basil Products & Where to Buy Lemon Basil
You can get Lemon Basil from your local market in different forms i.e Freshly plucked, Dried packs (Whole or crushed) for Lemon Basil Tea, Spice, Seedlings to plant in your garden or farm, Lemon Basil Essential Oil
