How To Use Purple Basil

Purple basil is incredibly easy to use in your daily cooking.

If you’ve been wondering how to use purple basil, you’ll be happy to know that this vibrant herb works just like its green cousin, but with a stunning visual twist.

You can use purple basil in salads, pestos, and even as a colorful garnish on your favorite dishes.

It’s not just about looks either, as this herb brings a slightly spicier, more anise-like flavor to the table that can elevate simple meals.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the many ways to use purple basil so you can make the most of this gorgeous plant.

Let’s dive into all the delicious possibilities.

Why You Should Use Purple Basil in Your Kitchen

The reasons to use purple basil go far beyond its beautiful deep purple leaves.

This variety of basil offers a unique flavor profile that’s a bit more complex than sweet basil.

It has hints of cinnamon, clove, and a gentle spiciness that makes it a fantastic addition to both cooked and raw dishes.

Beyond taste, the bold color can make any plate look professionally plated, which is a huge win for home cooks.

Here’s a closer look at why this herb deserves a permanent spot in your garden and your kitchen.

1. The Bold Flavor of Purple Basil

When you use purple basil, you’re introducing a flavor that is both sweet and slightly savory.

The taste is often described as a mix between traditional sweet basil and a touch of anise or licorice.

This complexity makes it perfect for pairing with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

Unlike some herbs that get lost in a dish, purple basil holds its own and adds a distinct character that will make your cooking memorable.

2. A Visual Feast in Every Dish

You can use purple basil to transform the look of any meal instantly.

Imagine a fresh mozzarella salad dotted with deep violet leaves, or a lemonade garnished with a sprig of purple.

It simply makes food look more appetizing and inviting.

And if you have picky eaters at home, adding colorful herbs is a clever way to make vegetables and new meals feel more exciting.

3. Packed with Antioxidants

Beyond the flavor, there’s another great reason to use purple basil regularly.

The deep purple hue comes from anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.

These same compounds are found in blueberries and red cabbage, and they’re known for their health benefits.

So by adding purple basil to your meals, you’re not just boosting flavor, you’re also adding a healthy dose of nutrients to your diet.

Creative Ways to Use Purple Basil in Recipes

Now that you know why you should use purple basil, let’s talk about the best ways to actually cook with it.

The key is to treat it similarly to green basil, but to keep in mind that its color can bleed into liquids.

Because the leaves are a bit more delicate, it’s often best to add them at the end of cooking or use them fresh.

Here are some fantastic ways to incorporate purple basil into your favorite recipes.

1. Fresh Purple Basil in Salads

The simplest way to use purple basil is to toss fresh leaves into a salad.

Tear the leaves by hand and mix them with other greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

The purple color creates a beautiful contrast against the green leaves.

You can also use them in a classic Caprese salad, swapping out green basil for the striking purple variety to give this Italian favorite a new look.

2. Blend It Into Pesto

You can use purple basil to make a truly stunning pesto sauce.

The result will be a vibrant, reddish-purple sauce that’s perfect for pasta or as a spread on sandwiches.

Simply blend purple basil leaves with pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.

The flavor is slightly more intense than regular pesto, which pairs beautifully with gnocchi or grilled chicken.

3. Infuse It Into Drinks

A refreshing way to use purple basil is to infuse it into summer drinks.

Muddle the leaves at the bottom of a glass to release their aromatic oils.

You can add them to lemonade, mojitos, or even sparkling water for a sophisticated twist.

The leaves also make an incredible garnish for iced tea, adding both flavor and a pop of color that will impress your guests.

4. Use it as a Flavorful Garnish

Don’t underestimate the power of using purple basil as a simple garnish.

You can use purple basil to top off soups, curries, or roasted vegetables right before serving.

The heat from the dish will gently wilt the leaves and release their aroma.

It’s a simple technique that makes any homemade meal look and taste like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Storing and Preserving Purple Basil for Later

Learning how to use purple basil is one thing, but knowing how to store it ensures you have it on hand whenever you need it.

Fresh purple basil is best used within a few days of picking.

But don’t let it go to waste, as there are several ways to preserve it for future meals.

Here’s how to keep your purple basil fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

1. The Best Way to Store Fresh Purple Basil

The trick to keeping purple basil fresh is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.

Trim the stems and place them in a jar with about an inch of water.

Cover the leaves with a plastic bag and keep the jar on your counter at room temperature.

This method will keep the leaves fresh and vibrant for up to a week.

Avoid the fridge if you can, as cold temperatures can cause the leaves to darken and turn bitter.

2. Freezing Purple Basil in Oil or Water

If you have a big harvest, you can use purple basil by freezing it.

Chop the leaves and place them into an ice cube tray.

Fill the tray with olive oil or water and freeze it solid.

Once frozen, you can pop the cubes into a zip-top bag for easy storage.

These cubes are perfect for dropping into soups, sauces, or sautés during the winter months.

3. Making Purple Basil Vinegar

You can also use purple basil to make a flavored vinegar that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Fill a clean bottle with fresh purple basil leaves and cover them with white wine vinegar.

Let the mixture sit for two weeks in a cool, dark place.

The vinegar will take on a gorgeous pinkish-purple color and a delicate basil flavor.

This infused vinegar is perfect for salad dressings and marinades.

So, How to Use Purple Basil in Your Everyday Cooking?

Using purple basil is as easy as adding it to any dish where you’d normally use fresh herbs.

You can use purple basil in salads, pestos, drinks, or as a final flourish on top of your meals.

Just remember that its color is delicate, so it’s often best to add it at the last moment to preserve its beauty.

Whether you’re growing it in the garden or buying it at the market, this herb is a wonderful way to add flavor and flair to your cooking.

So go ahead, experiment with purple basil, and enjoy the vibrant, delicious difference it makes.