Cinnamon basil

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.

Cinnamon basil
Flowering cinnamon basil in late summer
SpeciesOcimum basilicum
Cultivar'Cinnamon'
Young cinnamon basil in late spring

Description

Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil,[5] has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It contains methyl cinnamate, giving it a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon.[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
  1. Porter, Todd; Diane, Cu. "Victory Garden Herbs". White on Rice Couple. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  2. Meyers, Michele (2003). Basil: An Herb Society of America Guide (PDF). The Herb Society of America. p. 32. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 March 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  3. Jordi, Rebecca. "Basil". University of Florida Nassau County Extension. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  4. Dyer, M.H. "Cinnamon Basil Plant". SFGate Home Guides. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  5. "Basil". Sunland Herbs. Archived from the original on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  6. Gernot Katzer. "Basil". Spice Pages. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
  7. MacKenzie, Jill (October 2007). "Growing basil". University of Minnesota Extension. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  8. McVicar, Jekka (2010). Grow Herbs. London: DK Publishing. p. 160. ISBN 9780756664275.
  9. Lehnhardt, Patricia. "10 Basil Varieties and How to Use Them". Hobby Farms. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  10. Naik, Nitin (30 January 2008). "A Plant Growth Chamber". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
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