We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

What Is Cinnamon Basil?

By Christian Petersen
Updated Jan 27, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Cinnamon basil is one of several varieties of the culinary herb basil, Ocimum basilicum and, like all basil, is a member of the mint family. One of a number of types of specialty basil, it is called cinnamon basil because it has a scent and flavor similar to cinnamon, which comes from the bark of one of several tree species in the genus Cinnamomum. It is used in cooking as a fresh herb and also as a dried herb.

Basil is one of the most popular herbs in cuisine today, especially in Italian and Asian cooking. Originating in India, basil occurs in more than a hundred varieties. Many of these are specialty basils, of which cinnamon basil is one of the most popular. Specialty basils vary from standard basil in one or more ways, including color, leaf shape, growth habit, scent, and flavor. Like all herbs, basil is an aromatic, and its scent is just as important to cooks as its flavor.

The cinnamon flavor and aroma of cinnamon basil come from the aromatic compound cinnamate and other related chemicals. Cinnamate is one of the same compounds that are found in the spice cinnamon and give it its distinctive flavor. Cinnamon basil may contain relatively high concentrations of these aromatic compounds.

Like all basil varieties, cinnamon basil is grown as a leafy herb and is an annual plant in temperate climates. In warmer areas, some types of basil are grown as perennials. Standard basil has broad, tender, slightly curled leaves that are usually a deep green, but many variations in leaf shape are known amongst the numerous basil cultivars. Leaf colors also vary and can include light green and purple. Stems will usually, but not always, be the same color as the leaves, and cinnamon basil may have green or purple leaves, though green is more common.

The distinct combination of flavors found in cinnamon basil make it particularly suited to certain dishes. It is most commonly used in fruit dishes, particularly those made from fresh fruit, but may be used to flavor savory dishes as well. Hot drinks are another popular use for this unusual herb although it may be used in any dish where a cinnamon flavor is desired.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By serenesurface — On May 21, 2014

@burcinc-- I don't think that cinnamon basil is used as much as sweet Thai basil in Asian cuisine. Sweet Thai basil also has a spicy flavor with a hint of anise. Cinnamon basil has both an anise and cinnamon scent and flavor. The plants look fairly similar too, except the shape of Thai basil's leaves is a bit different.

By burcinc — On May 21, 2014

@discographer-- I wouldn't quite say that cinnamon basil smells and tastes like cinnamon. It certainly has a sweet, spicy scent. I suppose it might remind some of cinnamon although to me, it just smells of spices. Sometimes the scent also vaguely remind me of peppercorns. This is probably why cinnamon basil is a good addition to savory, spicy dishes, like the ones in Indian and Thai cuisine. Some people prefer to use it with fruits or salads, I guess to counter the sweet and bland flavors of those dishes. It's really up to you how you want to use this type of basil.

Many nurseries and garden stores sell varieties of basil, including cinnamon basil during the right season. You could also buy the seeds and grow it yourself in a pot. I don't know if dried cinnamon basil is available, but I think it's better fresh.

By discographer — On May 21, 2014

So cinnamon basil has a cinnamon scent and flavor?! That's very interesting. I love basil and cook with it all the time but this is the first time I'm hearing of cinnamon basil. I must try it sometime, I'm just not sure where I can find it. Any ideas?

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.