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What can you do with purple basil is a question I get all the time, and the answer is surprisingly simple: you can do just about everything with purple basil that you can do with the classic green variety, and then some.
With purple basil, you get that same familiar, slightly sweet, clove-like flavor, but you also get a stunning, vibrant pop of color that can transform an ordinary dish into something truly special.
So, what can you do with purple basil in your kitchen?
From steeping it into vinegars and syrups to using it fresh in salads or as a striking garnish, purple basil is a versatile herb that deserves a permanent spot in your garden and on your plate.
In this post, we’ll explore the many culinary and practical uses of purple basil, share some tasty ideas, and help you understand why this herb is so much more than just a pretty leaf.
Let’s dig in and discover what you can do with purple basil.
Why You Should Cook With Purple Basil
The first thing to know when asking what can you do with purple basil is that it behaves beautifully in the kitchen, just like its green cousin, but it has a few unique traits that make it stand out.
Purple basil varieties, like Dark Opal or Red Rubin, have a slightly more robust and spicier flavor than sweet Genovese basil.
This makes them fantastic for adding depth to dishes rather than just being a background note.
Plus, the color is heat-sensitive, so it will fade a bit when cooked, but using it fresh is where it really shines.
Let’s look at some of the best ways to use it.
1. Make a Show-Stopping Purple Basil Pesto
One of the most delicious answers to what can you do with purple basil is to whip up a batch of unforgettable pesto.
The purple leaves create a gorgeous, marbled, dark violet pesto that looks incredible on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
You can use purple basil in any traditional pesto recipe, swapping it one-for-one for the green basil.
The flavor is a little more peppery and intense, which pairs wonderfully with pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
Just be aware that when you blend it, the color might turn a slightly muddy brown-purple, but the taste will still be phenomenal.
To keep the color as vibrant as possible, you can blanch the leaves for a few seconds in boiling water before blending.
This is a fantastic way to answer the question of what can you do with purple basil if you have a big harvest.
2. Infuse Vinegars and Oils With Purple Basil
Another excellent answer to what can you do with purple basil is to make beautiful infused vinegars.
The vibrant purple pigment, called anthocyanin, leaches into the liquid, turning a simple white wine vinegar into a stunning, rosy-pink concoction.
This infused vinegar is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, or even a splash in sparkling water for a unique drink.
Similarly, you can infuse olive oil with purple basil for a flavorful finishing oil.
Just gently warm the oil with the basil leaves, let it cool, and strain it into a sterilized bottle.
These infusions are a simple and elegant way to use purple basil and preserve its flavor for months.
3. Elevate Fresh Salads and Fruit Dishes
When you’re wondering what can you do with purple basil, don’t overlook its power as a fresh ingredient.
The vibrant leaves add a beautiful color contrast and a unique flavor to green salads, caprese salads, and even fruit salads.
Try tearing a few leaves into a bowl of sliced peaches or strawberries for a surprising and delicious twist.
The slightly spicy, anise-like flavor of purple basil complements sweet fruits beautifully.
It also works wonderfully in grain bowls, adding a fresh, herby pop to quinoa, farro, or couscous.
This is one of the best and easiest things you can do with purple basil.
4. Create Vibrant Purple Basil Simple Syrup
If you love making cocktails or homemade sodas, then what can you do with purple basil is a question with a delicious sugary answer.
Combine equal parts sugar and water, bring to a simmer, and then add a large handful of purple basil leaves.
Let it steep off the heat for about 30 minutes to infuse the flavor and color, then strain.
You’ll be left with a gorgeous, jewel-toned syrup that tastes like a mix of basil and a hint of mint.
Use it to sweeten lemonade, mojitos, gin and tonics, or iced tea.
This is a creative and fun thing to do with purple basil that will impress your guests.
5. Garnish Soups, Curries, and Savory Plates
Another simple and effective answer to what can you do with purple basil is to use it as a striking garnish.
The dark purple leaves look gorgeous sprinkled over light-colored soups, creamy curries, or grilled meats and vegetables.
Add the leaves at the very end of cooking or right before serving to preserve their color and fresh flavor.
This works really well with Thai-style dishes, where purple basil can stand in for Thai basil, bringing a similar anise flavor.
It’s a simple, last-minute addition that elevates the look and taste of a dish.
How To Store and Preserve Purple Basil
If you grow purple basil, you often end up with more than you can use right away.
So what can you do with purple basil to make it last?
Storing it correctly is key to extending its life and answering that question for the long term.
Fresh purple basil is best kept like a bouquet of flowers, with its stems in a glass of water on the counter, but it will only last a few days this way.
For longer storage, you can freeze the leaves.
Chop them up and mix them into softened butter or olive oil, then freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Drying is another option, though it will lose some of its vibrant color and flavor potency.
Making purple basil salt is also a great preservation method.
Just layer fresh leaves and coarse salt in a jar and let it sit for a few weeks, and the salt will absorb the flavor.
So there are plenty of ways to store what you can do with purple basil.
So, What Can You Do With Purple Basil?
So, what can you do with purple basil in your own kitchen?
You can do countless things with purple basil, from making show-stopping pestos and pretty pink vinegars to infusing simple syrups and garnishing your favorite meals.
Purple basil is a beautiful, versatile herb that adds a unique flavor and a spectacular color to sweet and savory dishes alike.
Whether you choose to use it fresh in a vibrant salad or steep it into a flavorful syrup for your next cocktail, purple basil definitely deserves a spot on your counter and in your cooking.
So go ahead, pick up some purple basil and have fun experimenting with all the amazing things you can do with it.