I've purchased basil that has quite a few big leaves, for planting. It doesn't smell like basil though. It has a weird sharp flavor.

Question

The leaves are beautiful, bright, green and strong. I've noticed this scent before when purchasing basil. What is it? It said it was sweet basil!

HalfPint · Answer

Sometimes when herbs mature, their flavor and scent can become sharper, more pungent.  It is often the young leaves that have that "sweetness" we are familiar with.  It may be that the large leaves are too mature.

PieceOfLayerCake · Answer

Thai basil is kind of spicy and sharply anisey. I wonder if there was a mix-up.

Susan · Answer

Fresh basil can be surprisingly pungent. Did you try crumpling a leaf in your fingers and smelling it?   Taste it too.  Sometime the nose can fool you.

jeinde · Answer

It could be cinnamon basil, which does have a stronger flavor but looks just like regular basil (as does your photo).

Tasha · Answer

I can't seem to but it looks exactly like this:http://www.edenbrothers.com/store/italian_large_leaf_basil_seeds.html

I've purchased basil that has quite a few big leaves, for planting. It doesn't smell like basil though. It has a weird sharp flavor.

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