Herb
Lemon Basil
B tier
Lemon basil (Ocimum × citriodorum) carries bright citrus top notes over basil sweetness—used in Indonesian, Thai, and fusion cookery, and pleasant in teas and fruit salads. Add at the end of cooking; heat drives off lemon volatiles. Excellent with fish and chicken. Distinct from pure sweet basil—do not expect pesto identity.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
AromaticCitrusCitrus ScentHybridLemonLightSoutheast AsianTea Culinary
History
ID
Lemon-scented basils were used in Southeast Asian cookery.
Botany recognised citriodorum hybrid lemon basils.
Western herb farms marketed lemon basil widely.
Cocktail and tea culture adopted lemon basil garnishes.