What Are The Varieties Of Basil: Types Of Basil For Cooking

Green And Purple Basil Plant Leaves
basil varieties
(Image credit: mazzzur)

All types of basil are members of the mint family and some basil varieties have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Almost all basil varieties are cultivated as culinary herbs. When talking about the different types of basil, most people are familiar with the sweet basil varieties used in Italian cuisine, but many different types of basil are used in Asian cooking as well. What are the varieties of basil? The following is a list of types of basil.

A List of Basil Types

As you can see, the list of basil types is long. Why not plant a few types of basil for cooking in your herb garden this year? See what these basil types can do to add flavor and fragrance to your salads, stews, and other items on your dinner menu.

Jackie Rhoades
Writer

Jackie Rhoades began writing for Gardening Know How in 2010.