Basil is a key ingredient in many recipes and meals. On this page you will find:
A – 4 key questions to consider:
- What type of basil do you need?
- Where is the nearest place to buy basil?
- Do you want basil leaves or a plant?
- How quick do you need the basil?
B – Top 3 places to buy basil types
Lower down the page is our guide to each basil variety & top 3 places to buy them – quick link
A – 4 key questions to consider:
1. What type of basil do you need?
There are many different types used in cooking, some are easy to get and some are not available in shops.
The 7 most popular basil types are:
- Genovese Basil – best type for Italian, French or Greek recipes.
- Tulasi or Holy Basil – if you like cooking spicy Thai dishes.
- Lemon Basil – Ideal for South Asian or North East African Dishes.
- Thai Basil – Best for Thai, Laos or Vietnamese Recipes
- Cinnamon Basil – Ideal for Mexican or South American recipes
- Red Rubin Basil (pictured) – great for tomato dishes, salads and especially great in cocktails
- Lettuce leaf Basil – often used for sandwiches, pesto and salads
Each one is explained in more detail & where to buy further down the page – quick link
2. Where is the nearest place to buy basil?
This depends very much on which type of basil you will need.
Most shops & supermarkets tend to sell 2 types:
- Sweet or Genovese Basil
- Thai basil
If you want to buy another variety then garden centres are an option – or order online.
3. Do you want basil leaves or a plant?
If you just need some fresh basil for cooking, then a bag of leaves will probably be ok. But do note they are usually sweet or Genovese basil.
On the other hand a plant will continue to provide you with fresh basil time and time again. And is very easy to look after.
More details on the different places to order basil further down the page.
4. How quick do you need the basil?
If you need it for cooking then buying leaves or a plant is ideal.
On the other hand growing from seed is a lot cheaper and will provide you with a lot more basil.
Days from seed to harvest is about 60 days (2 months) How to grow basil indoors
B – Top 3 places to buy basil types
Genovese Basil
Ideal for Italian, French or Greek recipes.
3 Places to buy:
Holy basil
Ideal for cooking spicy Thai dishes.
3 Places to buy:
Lemon Basil
Ideal for South Asian or North East African Dishes.
3 Places to buy:
Minette Basil
Often used in pizzas but great for pasta or salads
2 Places to buy:
Red Rubin Basil
Strong flavour ideal for salads and cocktails
3 Places to buy:
Thai Basil
Ideal for Thai, Laos or Vietnamese Recipes.
3 Places to buy:
Cinnamon basil
Ideal for Mexican or South American recipes.
3 Places to buy:
Lettuce leaf basil
Often used for sandwiches, pesto and salads
2 Places to buy:
The 3 most popular places to buy basil:
- Amazon – for both seeds, plants and fresh basil for cooking.
- Live in the USA? – SeedsNow
- Worldwide – The ClickandGrow pod system – details below
1. Amazon
Amazon are a great source of basil – both seeds, plants & fresh basil for cooking.
2. USA – SeedsNow
Lovely family owned business with a:
- Very large range & variety of basil seeds
- As well as NON-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Garden seeds.
- 100% Raw & Un-treated Non-Genetically Modified,
- Very fast delivery
For more details visit the seedsnow site
3. The ClickandGrow pod system
This is a very unusual source of herbs with very fast results.
Their indoor garden works just like a capsule coffee machine.
- But instead of coffee pods, use biodegradable plant pods.
- More than 75 + different plant varieties.
- Automated watering, light and nutrients controlled by App
- More details on the ClickandGrow website
Please note that they do have over 75 different plant varieties – with many different herb types.
More information on the most popular basil types
Hopefully the 3 best place for where to buy basil will help.
Please find below more info on how to grow basil at home, as well as examples of basil recipes.
How to grow basil indoors
Basil
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