By Sana Tahseen African Blue Basil, ‘Dark Opal’, is a captivating hybrid basil variety that has gained popularity among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Its striking appearance, with its deep purple leaves and vibrant purple flowers, sets it apart from other basil varieties. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, African Blue Basil offers a unique flavor profile and a range of potential health benefits.
Origin and History
African Blue Basil is a relatively new hybrid, first discovered in the early 1980s by Peter Borchard in Athens, Ohio. It is a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum (camphor basil) and Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’. This hybridization resulted in a plant that combines the best qualities of both parent species.
Appearance and Characteristics
Leaves: The leaves of African Blue Basil start out as a deep purple color when young, gradually turning green as they mature. However, they retain distinctive purple veins throughout their lifecycle. The leaves are aromatic and have a slightly peppery flavor with hints of camphor.
African Blue Basil leaves
Flowers: The plant produces long, elegant spikes of vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Unlike many other basil varieties, African Blue Basil is sterile and does not produce seeds.
African Blue Basil flowers
Growth Habit: African Blue Basil is a perennial herb in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11) and an annual in colder regions. It grows into a bushy plant with a mounding habit, reaching a height of 12-18 inches.
Culinary Uses
African Blue Basil is a versatile herb that can be used in various culinary applications:
Fresh Herb: The leaves can be used fresh as a garnish for salads, soups, and pasta dishes. They add a unique flavor and visual appeal to any dish.
Dried Herb: The leaves can be dried and used as a seasoning in various dishes, including stews, sauces, and marinades.
Infused Oils and Vinegars: The leaves can be infused into oils and vinegars to create flavorful condiments.
Pesto: African Blue Basil can be used to make a unique pesto with a slightly different flavor profile than traditional basil pesto.
Tea: The leaves can be brewed into a herbal tea that is believed to have calming and digestive benefits.
Health Benefits
While research on the specific health benefits of African Blue Basil is limited, it shares many of the potential health benefits associated with other basil varieties. These include:
Antioxidant Properties: African Blue Basil contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some compounds in African Blue Basil, such as eugenol, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Eugenol
Digestive Benefits: African Blue Basil may aid in digestion and relieve digestive issues like bloating and gas.
Stress Relief: The calming aroma of African Blue Basil may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Insect Repellent: The essential oils in African Blue Basil may have insect repellent properties.
Growing African Blue Basil
African Blue Basil is relatively easy to grow, but it does have some specific requirements:
Climate: It thrives in warm, humid climates. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Light: African Blue Basil prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil: It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Propagation: African Blue Basil is propagated by stem cuttings.
FAQs
What is African Blue Basil?
African Blue Basil is a perennial hybrid basil, renowned for its purple stems and leaves and a pleasant mix of earthy and minty aromas. This basil variety, originally created as a cross between camphor basil and a variety of sweet basil, is loved for its ornamental beauty, resilience, and intense appeal to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Can you eat African Blue Basil?
Yes, African Blue Basil is edible! Although it has a unique flavor profile that includes slight camphor notes, it can be used in a range of culinary applications. It’s great in salads, pesto, soups, and teas, and it also makes an excellent garnish. Its aroma and flavor differ slightly from traditional sweet basil, with less of the characteristic aniseed undertone.
How do you grow African Blue Basil?
Unlike many basil varieties, African Blue Basil cannot be grown from seed. Instead, it’s propagated from cuttings or by rooting stem pieces. It thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, growing up to 80 cm tall. Regular pruning helps shape the plant and encourage more foliage, which can be used in cooking or for propagation. Water moderately, as it’s somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
Is African Blue Basil perennial or annual?
African Blue Basil is a perennial in frost-free climates, which means it can live for several years, especially in warmer regions. It’s ideal for gardeners in temperate or warm climates where winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing. However, in colder areas, it’s often grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months.
What are the benefits of growing African Blue Basil?
This basil is not only beautiful but highly functional. It attracts pollinators, adding biodiversity to gardens, and acts as a natural pest repellent, especially when planted near other herbs and vegetables. Its striking appearance also makes it a favorite in ornamental gardens, where it adds vibrant purple accents.
Does African Blue Basil require special care?
African Blue Basil is generally low-maintenance. It needs full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional fertilization. Although it’s more drought-tolerant than other basil types, consistent moisture will keep it lush. If potted, ensure it has adequate drainage and space for root expansion.
To summarize
African Blue Basil is a highly versatile plant that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in the garden. Its striking purple foliage, resilience, and ability to attract beneficial insects make it a standout herb for gardeners looking for something unique. Despite being a perennial, it requires minimal care—an added bonus for gardeners in various climates, especially those with warm or temperate weather. The plant’s culinary potential extends beyond that of ordinary basil, lending itself well to many dishes and even creative uses in beverages and cocktails.
For propagation, using cuttings is key since it doesn’t produce seeds. Regular pruning can yield additional plants and enhance the herb’s bushy growth. African Blue Basil is also known for its pest-repelling qualities, which, combined with its pollinator-friendly nature, make it an ideal companion plant. This makes it suitable for sustainable and organic gardening practices. Additionally, its ability to deter certain insects while inviting bees and butterflies can contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem overall.
In regions with mild winters, African Blue Basil can thrive as a perennial, offering year-round foliage and flowers. However, in colder climates, it’s best treated as an annual or brought indoors. If managed carefully, even gardeners in northern areas can enjoy its benefits and beauty throughout the growing season. Overall, African Blue Basil is an excellent addition to any garden, whether for culinary, decorative, or ecological reasons, providing both visual and practical benefits.
African Blue Basil is a beautiful and versatile herb that offers a unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing African Blue Basil can be a rewarding experience. Its striking appearance, culinary uses, and potential health benefits make it a valuable addition to any herb garden.
To read more, click here.