Basil (assorted)

Around 50 species of Ocimum are known, and dozens, even hundreds, of varieties. Selected in various parts of the world, they have specific characteristics, notably their essential oil content, which can vary considerably from one variety to another and strongly influence their flavour. Thai basil, for example, has a dominant note of liquorice. There are also varieties with cinnamon, lemon, lime and camphor aromas. Leaf size varies too, from the tiny leaf of Greek basil to the huge leaf of lettuce-leaf basil, which can reach 10 cm.