Cinnamon basil
| Cinnamon basil | |
|---|---|
Flowering cinnamon basil in late summer
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| Species | Ocimum basilicum |
| Cultivar | 'Cinnamon' |
Cinnamon basil is a type of basil (Ocimum basilicum). The term "cinnamon basil" can refer to a number of different varieties of basil, including as a synonym for Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora), as a particular cultivar of Thai basil,[1] and as a separate cultivar in its own right (i.e., O. basilicum 'Cinnamon').[2][3][4] This article discusses the latter type.
Contents
Description
Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil,[5] has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, the same chemical that gives cinnamon its flavor.[6] Cinnamon basil has somewhat narrow, slightly serrated, dark green, shiny leaves with reddish-purple veins, which can resemble certain types of mint, and produces small, pink flowers from July to September.[5][7][4][8] Its stems are dark purple.[9] Cinnamon basil grows to 18–30 inches tall.[3]
Cultivation
Cinnamon basil is an easy-to-grow herb. It requires six to eight hours of bright sunlight per day. Although it is often grown as an annual, it is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11. Cinnamon basil is sometimes planted near tomatoes and roses to discourage pests such as whiteflies.[4]
Uses
Cinnamon basil is used in teas and baked goods such as cookies and pies.[4][2] It is also used in pastas, salads, jellies, and vinegars.[5][7] Outside the kitchen, cinnamon basil is used in dried arrangements and as a potpourri.[7]
Space
Cinnamon basil was taken into space by the Space Shuttle Endeavour during STS-118 and grown in an experiment in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station.[10]
References
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