Herb
Holy Basil
A tier
Holy basil (tulsi; Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a sacred and medicinal plant in India and the spicy, clove-peppery basil of Thai pad krapow when the right type is used. Flavour is hotter and more medicinal than sweet basil. Thai cooks distinguish holy basil (kraphao) from Thai sweet basil (horapa). Stir-fry briefly with minced meat and chilli. Tea from tulsi is a separate wellness tradition.
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Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
CloveClove PepperMedicinal AromaticPepperySacredSpicyThai Pad KrapowTulsi
History
IN
Tulsi held sacred and medicinal roles in Indian culture.
TH
Holy basil entered Thai savoury stir-fry cuisine.
Botanical distinction from O. basilicum was clarified.
Western wellness markets sold tulsi tea; chefs sought true holy basil for pad krapow.