Ocimum basilicum Spice Boys Spicy Globe

The 'Spice Boys Spicy Globe' Basil is a variety of dwarf basil characterised by its fine foliage with a slight spicy taste and a sweet, lemony aroma. It is particularly appreciated in Asian and Italian cuisines for adding a flavourful and aromatic touch to dishes. This annual plant is as attractive for its unique aroma as it is for its decorative appearance. Due to its compact growth, the 'Spice Boys Spicy Globe' basil is perfect for growing in pots on a sunny windowsill. Its pleasant fragrance will fill your home, and you will have easy and quick access to its delicious aromatic leaves.

In addition to being tasty in cooking, basil is also known to naturally repel mosquitoes, making it a perfect plant for keeping mosquitoes away during the summer.

The 'Spice Boys Spicy Globe' variety is a creation of the Japanese seed company Takii. It was introduced in Europe in 2021 by K. SAHIN (Zaden BV - Netherlands). Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this variety stands out for its small, slender, lanceolate leaves, measuring 0.5 to 1 centimetre (<1 inch) in length, shiny, deeply veined, and dark green. They emit pronounced aromas of citrus and mint, with a sweet and spicy flavor. The stems are green, semi-thick, fibrous, and fleshy. In August-September, it produces tiny white flowers at the end of its stems. Its habit is dense and bushy, giving the plant a compact appearance. At maturity, this basil reaches a height and spread of approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in).

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to ancient times. In Roman culture, this plant was a symbol of love, while in Greek culture, it symbolised hatred and misfortune! Basil is a culinary herb used to flavour and enhance dishes. Rich in essential oil, basil has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties.

Basil flowers contain an essential oil composed of eucalyptol and eugenol. Its use helps fight anxiety and infections, acting as a calming and relaxing antispasmodic and antibacterial agent.

In the garden, basil thrives in good humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It particularly dislikes cold and excessive humidity. It thrives in non-burning sunlight or partial shade. Basil is an easy and practical plant to cultivate, whether in pots or in containers.

Harvest: between 6 to 10 weeks after sowing. From early summer to autumn, harvest the leaves as needed, simply by cutting them by hand or with scissors. The optimal time to harvest your potent basil is when its leaves release a pleasant and enjoyable fragrance.

Usage: Highly prized in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai cuisine, this basil harmoniously integrates into spring rolls, stir-fried dishes with vegetables or meat, soups, or simmered dishes such as curries. It is also often used in Italian cuisine to add a subtle and fragrant flavour to tomato sauces and pasta dishes, not to mention its role as the main ingredient in the famous Pesto. Its distinction from traditional basil lies in its spicy aroma, characterised by a sweet and lemony scent.

Storage: Basil can be kept fresh for a few days in a glass filled with water. It can be dried in the shade and stored in an airtight jar, but unfortunately, it loses some of its fragrance in the process.

Gardener's tip: If you use your 'Spice Boys Spicy Globe' basil for its aromatic foliage, don't hesitate to regularly pinch the plant and water it to stimulate the production of new leaves.

Tip: In a vegetable garden, a beneficial association consists of growing basil between each tomato plant. The roots of basil secrete nematocidal substances that provide protection to tomatoes against nematodes. This association is also extremely practical, as it allows you to harvest both tomatoes and basil in one place, creating an ideal combination for preparing a deliciously fragrant and flavourful summer salad!