Thai Sweet Basil Delivery or Pickup

If you've ever seen basil with arrow-shaped leaves and purple flowers, this is Thai sweet basil. Thai sweet basil is similar to the sweet Italian-style basil that you commonly find on pizzas and in pesto, but Thai sweet basil has a different flavor profile. Thai sweet basil has notes of anise or licorice, making it the ideal herb to add to Asian-style dishes.

Thai sweet basil is a perennial herb that grows prolifically in bunches. The plants are sturdy and can withstand heat better than sweet basil. As with all basil varieties, Thai sweet basil is part of the mint family. The leaves of Thai sweet basil are narrow, serrated, and a bit tougher than those of sweet basil. The stems are square and have a lovely purple tinge to them.

Thai sweet basil is primarily used in Southeast Asian cooking. You'll find many Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian dishes using Thai sweet basil, lemongrass, ginger, hot chili peppers, and coconut milk. While Thai sweet basil is primarily used for Asian cuisine, you can also spice up tomato-based dishes with this anise-flavored basil variety. Toss it raw into green salads with a sesame ginger dressing, add it to stir-fries with panko-crusted tofu, or mix it into a green papaya salad with lots of freshly squeezed lime juice.

As the name implies, Thai sweet basil originated in Thailand and spread throughout Southeast Asia, where this spicy herb is regularly consumed. Today, Thai sweet basil has made its way to Western countries as Asian fusion foods have grown in popularity. You can find Thai sweet basil at Asian markets, specialty grocery stores, and farmers' markets.

When choosing bunches of Thai sweet basil, look for ones that have perky leaves, vibrant purple stems, and purple flowers. When you pick up the leaves, they should have a licorice fragrance to them. When Thai sweet basil is harvested in the cool morning, the essential oils are stronger, giving the basil a better flavor. When you can smell the lovely fragrance of anise on the leaves, you know that the plants were picked at their peak.

Avoid Thai sweet basil that looks droopy, has yellow leaves, or doesn't have a strong fragrance. Bypass any Thai sweet basil leaves that have mold or discoloration to them.

One of the best ways to store Thai sweet basil is to cut the very ends of the stalk off and place the bunch in a glass of water like you would a bouquet of flowers. Before placing the stalks in the water, peel the lower leaves away, so they're not sitting in the water. Keep the basil on the counter, where it will last for up to two weeks. Change the water every few days to help extend the lifespan of the leaves.

You can also freeze Thai sweet basil for future use. Take the leaves off the stem, make sure they're dry, and place them in freezer bags. They should keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Whether you want Thai sweet basil to add to pad thai, a coconut curry sauce, or your next green salad, save time and make your day a bit easier when you order the basil via Instacart. After you place your order for Thai sweet basil, an Instacart shopper will pick out a fresh bunch and deliver it to you in as little as 2 hours!