Herb
Napoletano
B tier
Napoletano (lettuce-leaf) basil grows enormous blistered leaves popular around Naples—milder and more voluminous than Genovese, excellent for wrapping, salads, and generous torn garnishes. Less concentrated for tiny pesto batches; shine in Caprese-scale plating. Handle gently; large leaves bruise in transit.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
Huge LeavesItalianLargeLettuce LeafMild SweetMilderNeapolitanTender
History
IT
Neapolitan gardeners selected large-leaf basil types.
IT
Napoletano basil entered Italian seed lists.
Specialty herb farms offered Napoletano for chefs wanting size.
Home gardeners grew lettuce-leaf basil for summer abundance.