Ocimum basilicum Spice Boys Ararat

The 'Spice Boys Ararat' basil stands out with its variegated green and purple leaves that take on purplish hues when the plant flowers. The foliage, highly aromatic, gives off a pronounced anise fragrance, with a sweet and spicy flavor, with slightly licorice and vegetal notes sought after in cooking. This annual herbaceous plant is also attractive with its pinkish-purple flowering that extends from July to September. It is perfect for herb gardens or as a complement to annual plant beds. Furthermore, its compact growth habit is perfect for container gardening on a sunny windowsill or balcony.

Originating from Israel, the 'Ararat' basil gets its name from the famous biblical mountain where Noah's Ark is said to have landed after the flood. The variety 'Spice Boys Ararat' is a creation of the Japanese seed company Takii. It was introduced to Europe in 1999 by K. SAHIN (Zaden BV – Netherlands). Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant is distinguished by its small ovate to lanceolate leaves, about 5 to 8 centimetres (2 to 3 inches) long, shiny, textured, and deeply veined. The leaves have slightly toothed or dentate edges and can display variegated shades of dark purple and green, creating a marbled effect. They give off pronounced anise aromas, with a sweet and spicy, warm and slightly liquorice flavour, with vegetal nuances. The stems are burgundy in colour, semi-thick, fibrous, and fleshy. It produces small flowers of a pinkish-purple colour, highly visible 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 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in).

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to ancient times. In Roman culture, this plant was the emblem of lovers, 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 based on eucalyptol and eugenol. Its use helps fight anxiety and infections, as it is an antispasmodic and antibacterial with calming and relaxing properties.

In the garden, Basil thrives in good humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It particularly dislikes cold and excessive moisture. It prefers partial shade or non-burning sunlight. Basil is an easy and practical plant to grow in pots or 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 basil is when its leaves release a pleasant and pleasing aroma.

Uses: 'Ararat' basil is appreciated for its sweet, herbaceous, and anise flavour, ideal for garnishing and flavouring fresh and cooked dishes. It can be used as a substitute for purple or green basil in recipes and pairs well with many ingredients such as tomatoes, cheeses, fruits, and meats. The variegated leaves complement the flavours of Italian, Thai, and French cuisine. It can be stored in the refrigerator in water or between paper towels.

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

Gardening tip: if you use your 'Spice Boys Ararat' basil for its aromatic foliage, don't hesitate to regularly pinch the plant and water it to stimulate the production of new leaves. On the other hand, if you are looking for intense and lasting flowering throughout the summer, remove faded inflorescences to initiate the formation of new flowers.

Tip: In a vegetable garden, a beneficial association involves growing basil between each tomato plant. Basil roots secrete nematicidal substances that provide protection to tomatoes against nematodes. This association is also extremely practical, as it allows for harvesting tomatoes and basil in one place, creating an ideal combination for preparing a deliciously fragrant and tasty summer salad!