Purple basil has leaves in shades of purple (as you'd expect) and dark red and the leaves have a licorice flavor. Popular varieties include 'Purple Opal' and 'Purple Ruffles'.

Sweet, Thai or purple — any type of basil makes many of the summer foods and drinks I enjoy even tastier. Garden: ... I get a plentiful harvest with one large pot of basil.

Sweet, Thai or purple — any type of basil makes many of the summer foods and drinks I enjoy even tastier. Garden: ... I get a plentiful harvest with one large pot of basil.

In 1985, with a new Cuisinart, Carol Barany discovered pesto thanks to a friend's overabundance of basil, the herb of summer.