Ocimum basilicum Spice Boys Queen of Sheba

The 'Spice Boys Queen of Sheba' Basil is a variety of annual herbaceous basil, as enticing for its unique aroma as for its decorative aspect. Its purple flowering, which extends from summer to autumn, makes it a perfect addition to herb gardens or annual plant beds. Its spicy-scented leaves are ideal for enhancing the flavour of soups, sauces, as well as fish and meat dishes. This basil is of paramount importance in Asian cuisine. Its compact size also makes it an excellent choice for growing in pots, on a sunny windowsill. Its fragrance will fill the house and provide quick and easy access to its tasty leaves.

The 'Spice Boys Queen of Sheba' variety is a creation of the Japanese seed company Takii. It was introduced to Europe in 2005 by K. SAHIN (Zaden BV - Netherlands). Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this variety stands out for its small oval leaves of a vibrant green, which are relatively thin and pointed. The stems and inflorescences of this plant sport a splendid purple-violet colour, adding a decorative touch that contrasts with the green foliage. Its habit is dense and bushy. At maturity, this basil reaches a height and spread of about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in).

The use of basil in the Mediterranean basin dates back to antiquity. Among the Romans, this plant was the emblem of lovers, while among the Greeks, it symbolised hatred and misfortune! Basil is a culinary herb used to flavor 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, acting as 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 humidity. It thrives in non-burning sun or partial shade. Basil is an easy and practical plant to grow, either 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 pinching them off by hand or with scissors. The optimal time to harvest your potent basil is when its leaves release a pleasant and appealing scent.

Uses: Highly prized in Asian cuisine, especially in Thai cuisine, this basil blends harmoniously in spring rolls as well as stir-fried dishes with vegetables or meat, soups, or simmered dishes such as curries. Its difference from traditional basil also lies in its spicy scent, characterised by hints of lemon, tarragon, and anise.

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.

Gardener's tip: If you are using your 'Spice Boys Queen of Sheba' basil for its aromatic leaves, don't hesitate to regularly pinch the plant and water it to stimulate the production of new leaves. If, on the other hand, you are looking for intense and long-lasting flowering throughout the summer, remove faded inflorescences to initiate the formation of new flowers.

Tip: In a vegetable garden, a beneficial association consists of growing basil between each tomato plant. Basil roots secrete nematocidal 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 flavourful summer salad!