Not Always Green: This Purple Basil Tastes of Liquorice

When most people think of basil, they picture the classic green herb: broad leaves, a distinctly Mediterranean aroma and the unmistakable flavour of Pesto alla Genovese. Yet this culinary favourite is far more diverse than many realise. There are around 70 different varieties of basil, varying not only in colour but also in leaf shape, texture and aroma.