Basil offers diverse flavors and aromas, but in their big family, two varieties stand out – holy basil and Thai basil. They’re often mistaken for each other but have distinct characteristics that give a unique touch to the culinary world.
In this article, we’ll compare what sets holy basil and Thai basil and uncover the secrets behind their distinct flavors and aromas.
Holy Basil vs Thai Basil: Key Differences
Here’s a table of the key differences between Thai and holy basil:
| Thai basil | Holy basil | |
| Scientific Name | Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora | Ocimum tenuiflorum |
| Family | Lamiaceae | Lamiaceae |
| Common Name | Thai basil, anise basil, licorice basil | Holy basil, hot basil, Tulsi, Tulasi, Vrinda |
| Native range | Southeast Asia | India |
| Appearance | Shrub | Shrub |
| Average size | 12 inches (30 cm) tall | 20 inches (50 cm) tall |
| Leaves | Green with purple accents, small, narrow, with a slightly serrated edge | Green, small, rounder, with a slightly serrated edge |
| Stems | Purple and smooth | Green and covered in tiny hairs |
| Flowers | Lavender, pink or purple | Purple |
| Taste and aroma | Licorice, anise, cinnamon | Clove, black pepper, lemon, sometimes peppermint |
Let’s dig deeper into the differences between these aromatic herbs in their history, taste, appearance, cultivation, climate, and uses.
Holy Basil vs Thai Basil: Origins
Although both are native to Southeast Asia, holy basil is indigenous to the tropical regions of India, Vietnam and Thailand, while Thai basil came from Thailand.
The name “holy basil” comes from the traditional belief that it conveys physical and spiritual benefits. It’s a sacred plant in Hinduism and has been used in their religious rituals for centuries.
On the other hand, Thai basil is widely used as a culinary herb in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It became an essential cooking ingredient in numerous dishes in Asian cuisines, such as Thai Panang curry and Vietnamese pho.
Holy Basil vs Thai Basil: What Do They Look Like?
Holy basil leaves have serrated edges, while Thai basil leaves have smooth edges. Also, holy basil has a green stem, while Thai basil has a purple one.
Holy basil has green, hairy stems and large, oval, green leaves when thriving. Its foliage has toothed edges but is dull green and typically grows one or two inches long.
Holy basil plants grow between 20 and 24 inches tall. On the other hand, its pink flowers are usually short-lived yet edible as they emerge from the top of the basil plant stems.
In contrast, the Thai basil plant is smaller and typically grows between 12 to 18 inches tall. They’re bright green and shiny, with smooth edges and a spear-like shape.
As it grows, Thai basil stems grow to be a darker purple color, with leaves that are also one or two inches long. Then, dark purple flowers grow at the top of the plant from the plants, which are also edible.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil: Which Is Easier to Grow?
Thai basil is generally easier to grow because Thai basil is more tolerant of a broader range of conditions, including heat, drought, and pests.
Thai basil is a warm-season herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand some heat. Thai basil is also reasonably resistant to pests and diseases.
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a tender herb best grown in partial shade and moist, fertile soil. It is less drought-tolerant than Thai basil and more sensitive to heat and pests.
Here is a table summarizing the ease of growing Thai basil and holy basil:
| Factor | Thai Basil | Holy Basil |
| Sun exposure | Full sun | Partial shade |
| Soil conditions | Well-drained | Moist, fertile |
| Drought tolerance | High | Low |
| Heat tolerance | High | Low |
| Pest resistance | High | Low |
Holy basil grows well outdoors during the summer or year-round in tropical or subtropical climates as a small, flowering shrub. It grows quickly in warm temperatures and at least four hours of sunlight daily.
You can quickly propagate holy basil from either a seed or a cutting. It will bring a strong, fragrant aroma to an outdoor garden or sunny windowsill.
On the other hand, Thai basil grows well outdoors or as a container plant under warm summer temperatures or year-round in tropical or subtropical climates.
However, remember that Thai basil plants grown indoors need more sun and should get at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil: What Do They Taste Like?
Thai basil has a strong licorice-like flavor with hints of anise and spice, while holy basil has a peppery-clove-like flavor with a subtle sweetness.
The flavor of holy basil is often described as pungent, warm, spicy, and peppery, with hints of clove. Some people describe holy basil as having a mint-like quality, bringing a pleasant freshness or tingling feeling to the mouth.
In contrast, people describe Thai basil as having flavors reminiscent of licorice or anise. It has a distinct, milder flavor that is also savory.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil: How Can You Use Them?
Holy basil is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and herbal infusions, while Thai basil is typically used in stir-fries, curries, and soups.
Holy basil is believed to promote positivity and is used in daily worship. It’s usually planted in garden courtyards and used in weddings and funerals in India.
Some people incorporate holy basil into their diet as a health supplement through tea or extracts because it’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
On the other hand, cooks love using Thai basil in many recipes. You will find it shared fresh, as a garnish, and as part of the cooking process.
Because Thai basil is so savory and spicy, with a unique licorice-like taste, it brings a distinct flavor to dishes. For instance, add it to Panang curry at a Thai restaurant or in a salad.
In Vietnamese restaurants, you’ll see Thai basil on the side or added to a pho soup with bean sprouts, hot peppers, or citrus wedges.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil: What Do They Smell Like?
Thai basil releases a strong licorice-like scent with hints of anise and spice. On the other hand, holy basil emits a warm, clove-like fragrance with citrus undertones.
Thai basil has a sweet and fragrant aroma with hints of anise or licorice. Its aroma is milder and more pleasant than the pungent aroma of other basil varieties.
The sweet scent of Thai basil makes it a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine in dishes like curries, stir-fries, and soups or in teas, desserts, and cocktails.
On the other hand, holy basil has a more intense and spicy aroma with hints of clove and pepper. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been used as a natural insect repellent against mosquitoes and flies.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil: Which One Lasts Longer?
Holy basil can last longer than Thai basil. Holy basil can be stored for one to two weeks, while Thai basil only has 2 to 3 days of shelf life.
Thai basil can be dried and stored in an airtight container for up to a year. During this period, it will retain its flavor and aroma. On the other hand, holy basil should be used within a few months of drying, or it will start losing its flavor and aroma.
We recommend that you harvest the herbs at their peak flavor, especially in the middle of the growing season.
Just make sure to wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Then, tie the herbs in small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry place.
Can I replace Thai basil with holy basil in my recipes?
You can replace Thai basil with holy basil in most recipes. Both types of basil have a similar flavor profile, with a slightly peppery and anise-like taste.
Although holy basil is more pungent than Thai basil, the two can still be used interchangeably. Just remember that holy basil is more intense in flavor, so you may want to use a little less than Thai basil.
Holy basil can also be more bitter than Thai basil, so you may want to add a little sugar or sweetener to your dish to balance the bitterness.
In substituting holy basil for Thai Basil, we recommend using one and a half tablespoons for every tablespoon. With some experimentation, you’re sure to find the perfect balance of flavor.
What is Thai basil?
Thai basil is an aromatic herb native to Southeastern Asia. It is a highly fragrant and prevalent ingredient in cooking throughout Thailand because of its distinctive licorice or anise flavor, a hint of cinnamon, and a mild spicy taste.
Thai basil is a tropical plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has unique purple stems and narrow leaves with a slightly serrated edge and green with purple accents around the stems and veins.
This plant also produces clusters of purple flowers similar to mint flowers and are just as fragrant as its leaves. However, Thai basil is often kept as a small shrub, and the stems and flower buds are usually pinched to encourage bushy and leafy growth.
Thai basil is a versatile culinary herb that works in various dishes and can withstand higher temperatures without losing its texture and aroma.
You can use it as either a fresh herb or cooked, especially in Thai-style dishes, to boost authentic flavor by adding traditional recipes such as Thai green curries, pad gra prow, or Phô.
How to Grow Thai Basil in Containers
| Difficulty | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Things You Need | 6-inch pot Potting mix Spray pump with water Basil seeds Watering can Liquid fertilizer (liquid seaweed or fish emulsion) Pruning shears |
How To Do
Find a suitable container.
A 6-inch pot with drainage holes is enough for one basil plant. Fill the container with potting mix and perlite or coir to improve drainage.
Using a spray pump, gently mist the soil until it becomes moist. Then, plant 2 or 3 Thai basil seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Germinate the seeds.
Keep the soil moist in a room where temperatures don’t drop below 70 °F (21 °C). Thai basil seeds can take between 7 and 10 days to germinate.
Once the young plants have 2 to 3 sets of leaves each, you can thin them out and keep the healthiest ones.
Provide sufficient sunlight.
Thai basil needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. We recommend keeping it in the west or south-facing window or using grow lights.
Water the basil plant.
Water your Thai basil regularly, but avoid soaking the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water it.
Fertilize the basil plant.
As the plants grow, apply a liquid fertilizer once a month.
Remove the flowers.
Removing the flower buds will prevent the leaves from tasting bitter.
Harvest basil leaves.
Harvest Thai basil leaves when the plant is at least 6 inches tall. Cut the leaves using pruning shears and snip off side stems to encourage more growth and a bushy shape.
Harvesting them before noon is best when the leaves’ aromatic oils have the highest concentration.
What is holy basil?
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is indigenous to India. It is an aromatic herb with a distinctive sweet taste and a clove aroma, with mild hints of black pepper, lemon, and peppermint.
This perennial shrub can grow between 1 and 2 feet tall with small, rounded, noticeable serrations along the edge and typically green leaves.
Holy basil, as its name suggests, is vital in religious practices. It’s considered the most sacred of all plants in Hinduism and is used to worship Vishnu.
Hindu households grow holy basil in their garden center and worship it twice daily. Tulsi is also considered the “queen of herbs” in Ayurvedic practices and is used in traditional medicine to strengthen the body’s resistance to diseases and stress.
How to Grow Holy Basil in Containers
| Difficulty | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Things You Need | 6-inch pot Potting mix Spray pump with water Basil seeds Watering can Liquid fertilizer Pruning shears |
How To Do
Find a suitable container.
Start by filling a 6-inch container with potting mix and perlite. Use a spray pump to mist the soil daily to keep it moist.
Place 2 or 3 holy basil seeds per pot and sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top.
Germinate the seeds.
The best temperature for seed germination is around 70 °F (21 °C). Holy basil seeds can germinate between 7 and 14 days.
Thin out the plants when they have at least two sets of leaves each, and keep the healthiest-looking one in the pot.
Provide sufficient sunlight.
Place your potted holy basil on a warm, sunny windowsill or any area with around 6 hours of light daily.
Water the basil plant.
Check the soil before every watering, and only water the plants when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize the basil plant.
Once a month, apply an organic liquid fertilizer solution to encourage leaf growth.
Harvest basil leaves.
Harvest holy basil about 40 days after planting the seeds. Use a pair of scissors and cut the leaves as needed.
We also recommend regular pruning of side stems and tips to help it keep its shape.
FAQs
Holy basil is not safe to be taken by pregnant women. Studies showed that large doses of holy basil reduced the chance that a fertilized egg would be attached to the uterus.
Due to their medical properties, Thai basil leaves are generally sold at a higher price than the most common Genovese basil.
Tulsi and Thai Basil are different plants with distinct flavors and medicinal properties. Tulsi is another name for holy basil, widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and Hinduism.
Holy basil is a staple herb in Thai Indian, Vietnamese, and Laotian cuisine.
Cilantro can only partially replace the unique taste and aroma of Thai Basil in certain dishes. Cilantro has a strong flavor and is not the best substitute for a basil replacement.
