Lemon basil, hoary basil,[2] Thai lemon basil,[3] or Lao basil,[4] (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum).[5][6][7] The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking.
Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant.
Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arab, Indonesian, Filipino, Lao, Malay, Indian, Persian and Thai cuisine.
Uses
Culinary
In Lao cuisine, (where it is called pak i tou,[4]) lemon basil is used extensively in soups, stews,[4] curries and stir-fried dishes as it is the most commonly used type of basil in Laos.[6] Many Lao stews require the use of lemon basil as no other basil varieties are acceptable as substitutes. The most popular Lao stew called or lam uses lemon basil as a key ingredient.
Lemon basil is the only basil used much in Indonesian cuisine, where it is called kemangi. It is often eaten raw with salad or lalap (raw vegetables) and accompanied by sambal. Lemon basil is often used to season certain Indonesian dishes, such as curries, soup, stew and steamed or grilled dishes. In Thailand, Lemon basil, called maenglak (Thai: แมงลัก), is one of several types of basil used in Thai cuisine. The leaves are used in certain Thai curries and it is also indispensable for the noodle dish khanom chin nam ya. In the Philippines, where it is called sangig, particularly in Cebu and parts of Mindanao, Lemon basil is used to add flavor to law-uy, which is an assortment of local greens in a vegetable-based soup. The seeds resemble chia seeds after they have been soaked in water and are used in sweet desserts. It is also used in North East part of India state Manipur. In Manipur, it is used in curry like pumpkin, used in singju (a form of salad), and in red or green chilli pickles. The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribe of Meghalaya also use it in their cuisine. The Garos call it panet (pronounced phanet). They use it to prepare cold sauce (Ind. Chutney) with added ingredients like fermented fish, chile, onions sometimes roasted tomatoes. In Tripura, it is known as banta, and is used by Tripuri community to make banta mosdeng, a fermented fish-based spicy chutney.
In Nigerian cuisine, lemon basil is referred to as partminger or curry leaf,[8] not to be confused with the unrelated curry tree Bergera koenigii cultivated in the Indian subcontinent.
Cultivation
Lemon basil requires the same care as other basil varieties. It is a tropical plant, that should be in a spot receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It is actually quite hardy and can sometimes grow continuously given only water, but the flavor will be at risk if not given any fertilizer, chemical or organic. It can really grow in a matter of weeks. It should be watered whenever the topmost part of the soil is dry. At this time, the plant will wilt, but will be back to normal once watered.
Basil should never reach flowering during the harvesting periods. If given a chance to flower, its flavor will be sacrificed and the leaves become smaller, dry and leathery. Once the flower clusters form, they should be removed so the plant will continue its vegetative growth. It is, however, a good idea for it to be left to flower and set seeds that will be collected during fall, because the cold winter frosts will kill the basil plant anyway. Harvesting the seeds two weeks before the last frost, and sowing them indoors in the spring will provide next year’s harvest.
Harvesting once a week for each plant will make it bushy due to the side shoots that will develop. The plant should never be completely defoliated. Propagation is achieved by sowing seeds and from stem cuttings. Seedlings will reach 150 mm (6 in) in 3–4 weeks and should be harvested at this time to let them branch out. Stem cuttings will gain roots after they have a week of being soaked in water. The setup is simply a Mason jar filled with water and a square of mesh with holes large enough to hold the plant in place while the roots grow. As many cuttings as the gardener wishes can be planted, preferably the most vigorous stems that can be found because they will root faster. The water should be changed every few days. After 2–3 weeks, the roots will be long enough for the cuttings to be transplanted into pots or planted in their permanent position to keep in the garden.
Health Benefits of Lemon Basil
Protects Against Vision Loss
Lemon Basil is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a pigment found mostly in brightly coloured vegetables. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which aids in functioning of mucus membranes and is essential for a good vision.
Beneficial In Wound Healing
Lemon Basil is a great source of Vitamin K. This Vitamin assists the body in faster wound healing. The herb also provides considerable magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, calcium, and Vitamin C to the body.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Lemon Basil contains Citral and Limonene that has well known anti-inflammatory benefits. Those are particularly effective at protecting against breast and colon cancers as citral limits the growth of breast cancer cells.
Controls Cortisol Levels
Lemon Basil keeps the cortisol, the stress hormone levels in check. The elevated levels of this hormone can cause multiple health conditions such as diabetes, reduced immune function, obesity, and even memory problems.
Guide to Growing and Caring for Kemangi (Basil)
Kemangi (Ocimum basilicum), or basil, is a popular aromatic herb in Indonesia, often used as a seasoning or fresh vegetable. Here’s a complete guide to planting and caring for basil:
1. Seed Selection
- Choose high-quality basil seeds from a trusted agricultural store.
- Ensure seeds are fresh, not expired, and have a high germination rate.
- Alternative: Use leftover basil stems for cuttings.
2. Preparing the Growing Medium
- Use loose, fertile, and organic-rich soil.
- Mix soil with compost or manure (ratio 2:1).
- Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
3. Planting
A. Growing from Seeds
- Scatter seeds on the soil and cover lightly.
- Water gently and keep the medium moist.
- Seeds will sprout in 5–10 days.
B. Growing from Cuttings
- Select a healthy stem (10–15 cm long).
- Remove lower leaves and soak in water until roots develop (3–5 days).
- Transplant into soil once roots appear.
4. Plant Care
A. Watering
- Water 1–2 times daily (morning/evening), depending on weather.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
B. Fertilization
- Apply organic fertilizer (compost/manure) every 2 weeks.
- Alternative: Use low-dose NPK fertilizer for faster growth.
C. Weeding & Pest Control
- Remove weeds regularly to avoid competition.
- Common pests: aphids, caterpillars. Treat with natural insecticides (soap water) or organic pesticides.
5. Pruning
- Trim the top to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest leaves regularly to maintain plant health.
6. Harvesting
- Basil is ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks.
- Pick young leaves or shoots with clean hands or scissors.
- Harvest periodically to promote new growth.
7. Additional Tips
- Grow basil in pots/polybags if space is limited.
- Place in an area with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Avoid windy locations for optimal growth.
With proper care, basil can thrive and be harvested year-round. Happy planting!
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_basil
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