Horapa Basil

Description/Taste

Thai Basil is small in size, averaging 10-12 centimeters in length, and has narrow, lanceolate-shaped leaves that taper to a small point and are connected to skinny, flexible stems. The smooth leaves are dark green with a prominent central vein branching out into smaller veins across the surface. The leaves are also connected to dark purple and green, tender, juicy stems. Petite® Thai Basil is crisp and extremely aromatic with a fresh, sweet anise flavor and notes of spice, licorice, and clove.

Seasons/Availability

Petite® Thai Basil is available year-round.

Current Facts

Petite® Thai Basil is a young version of the Asian herb and is a part of a trademarked line of specialty greens grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. Designed to be slightly larger than microgreens, Petite® Thai Basil is harvested 4-6 weeks after sowing and is primarily used as a garnish to accent flavors in a variety of culinary dishes.

Nutritional Value

Petite® Thai Basil contains vitamins A, C, K, and E, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and some fiber.

Applications

Petite® Thai Basil greens are best suited for raw applications as their peppery, anise flavor, and delicate nature cannot withstand high heat preparations. The greens are most commonly used as a garnish in Asian cuisine and can be added to phô, stir-fries, noodle soups, curries, drunken noodles, and pad Thai. They can also be used to enhance the flavor in green salads, tomato dishes, seafood, desserts, or even cocktails. Petite® Thai Basil pairs well with ggplant, meats such as turkey, chicken, pork, and beef, shellfish, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, chile peppers, and coconut milk-based soups. They will keep 7-10 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Basil is one of the oldest herbs in the world, and Thai basil has been heavily used in Southeast Asia, especially in Thai, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Lao, and Cambodian cuisine. The Vietnamese noodle soup, phô, is known for using Thai basil as a flavor accompaniment in order to create a balanced dish. Vietnamese cooking often references the Chinese belief of having meals with a harmonious balance of sweet, salt, spice, bitter, and sour. Modern herbs such as Petite® Thai Basil are used to create the five-taste balance and can be used as a substitute for the mature version of the herb in any dish that calls for Thai basil.

Geography/History

Thai basil is native to Asia, especially India, and has been cultivated for over five thousand years. It was then spread across the world via explorers and immigrants. Petite® Thai Basil was created by Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California in the 1990s-2000s when the micro and petite greens trend exploded in popularity as a new a modern take on garnishes with robust flavors. Today Petite® Thai Basil can be found through select partners of Fresh Origins, such as Specialty Produce, and are available across the United States