Cinnamon basil is a distinctive cultivar of the common sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), known for its warm, spicy flavor profile. This herb is a popular choice for gardeners and cooks seeking an aromatic twist. Its complex aroma and taste offer a bridge between traditional herbs and baking spices, making it a highly versatile plant.
Identification and Sensory Profile
Cinnamon basil is botanically known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon,’ and it is sometimes called Mexican spice basil. This cultivar is visually striking, featuring narrow, dark green leaves that often display reddish-purple veins, contrasting with the dark purple or mahogany-colored stems on which they grow. The plant typically reaches a height of 18 to 30 inches and develops a bushy, upright habit in the garden.
The herb’s flavor comes from the high concentration of the aromatic compound methyl cinnamate, or cinnamaldehyde, present in its volatile oils. This compound is also responsible for the characteristic scent of true cinnamon bark, explaining the herb’s sweet, warm fragrance and flavor. In summer, the plant produces attractive spikes of small, tubular flowers that range from pale pink to lavender, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
Growing and Harvesting
Cinnamon basil is relatively easy to cultivate and thrives when provided with conditions similar to its sweet basil relatives. The plant requires a location that receives full sunlight, ideally six to eight hours each day, to ensure robust growth and maximum essential oil production. Well-drained, fertile soil is necessary, as basil roots are susceptible to rot if the ground becomes waterlogged.
Regular pruning is important to encourage a full, bushy plant and delay flowering, which diminishes leaf flavor. Gardeners should pinch off the growing tips of the main stem just above a set of leaves once the plant is established. When harvesting, snip stems just above a leaf node, allowing the plant to branch out and produce more foliage. If flower spikes appear, remove them immediately to redirect the plant’s energy back into leaf growth.
Culinary Applications
The warm, sweet-spicy notes of cinnamon basil make it highly adaptable for both sweet and savory recipes. Its unique profile pairs exceptionally well with various fruits, including peaches, apples, and citrus, often added to summer fruit salads or used as a garnish. The herb is also excellent when steeped to create a flavorful herbal tea, or infused into simple syrups for use in cocktails and lemonades.
In savory cooking, cinnamon basil adds a complex warmth to dishes, particularly those in Southeast Asian cuisine. It can be incorporated into curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, and complements the flavors of pork and poultry. The leaves can also be finely minced and added to marinades or vinaigrettes. For sweet preparations, the leaves are used in baked goods like cookies, breads, and pies, or to flavor jellies and custards.