Krapoa | กะเพรา | Ocimum tenuiflorum
Family: Lamiaceae - Genus: Ocimum
Thai Holy Basil can be found near the vegetable gardens of the Thai Child Development Foundation and around the kitchen area of Eco-Logic Thailand on Mount Never-rest.
This variety of basil, used in the Thai is referred to as Thai holy basil; it is not the same as Thai basil, also known as Sweet Basil. Holy basil is a really pungent peppery type of basil that is used in Thailand to make Pad Krapow, one of the most famous one-plate meals in Thailand.
Holy basil is a tall and rigidly stemmed plant with purplish flowers and green or purple leaves. The leaves of holy basil are oval-shaped and they have quite jagged edges.
Holy basil grows very quickly. You can harvest leaves from your plants several times per week, removing up to 75% of the leaves each time
THE HOLY BASIL PLANT
Holy basil is an erect, many-branched subshrub, 30–60 centimeter tall with hairy stems. Leaves are green or purple. The purplish flowers are placed in close clusters on elongated stems.
HOLY BASIL LEAVES
Leaves are green or purple; they are simple, with an oval shaped, up to 5 centimeter long blade, with a toothed edge. The leaves have a strong scent.
HOLY BASIL FLOWERS
The purplish flowers are placed in close clusters on elongated stems.
The flowers are also edible. The flowers are similar, if milder, than the leaves. Flowers can be added to salads, and they make a great garnish for basil based dishes.
HOLY BASIL FLOWERS
Seeds offer concentrated nutrition and also fiber. They offer nutrition, flavor and texture in the balanced diet. Research has shown that it gives a number of health advantages, from treating nausea to indigestion, diabetes, constipation, respiratory problems etc.
CULINARY USES OF HOLY BASIL
The main quality of holy basil is that enhances the heat of a hot and spicy dish. If you eat holy basil raw, it tastes very peppery.
Leaves are eaten raw or cooked. A refreshing tea can be made from the leaves.
Fresh flowers can be eaten raw, in salads and as decoration.
The mucilaginous seeds are made into a sweet, cooling beverage, they look a lot like chia seeds and have a similar effect.
The most famous recipe in Thailand using holy basil is of course Pad Krapoa. Click on the link of the Food Forest Kitchen restaurant to find the vegan version as a recipe.
NUTRITION
Holy basil contains a rich supply of antioxidants. The essential oils in Holy basil contain eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is being studied for its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. Research has also been done on Holy basil around its ability to help protect stomach lining from the damages of aspirin. The ancient herb also contains compounds that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption in the digestive tract, making it a good addition to the diets of those with chronic digestive issues.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USE OF HOLY BASIL
NOTE: please take advice from a doctor if you are planning to use herbal medicine.
Internal Application:
While basil has many possible medicinal uses, the one it is most often employed for is correcting digestive issues such as gas, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Holy basil is also a common ingredient in treatments for colds and flu. As an antispasmodic, it is useful for any stomach or intestinal cramping, including those caused by irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, and gastritis.
Holy basil is also used in treatments for easing headaches, cough, sinusitis, and arthritis. While the herb may be used to combat constipation, the seeds are more effective laxatives.
Some Hill Tribes use basil in the steam bath or sauna for eye infections or pain, and topically as a poultice for fungal infections.
External Application: In topical formulas, basil reaches the level of the sên, specifically the blood vessels, where it increases circulation.
INTO THE WILD: a down to earth experience
For guests and visitors to Paksong we organize weekly tours "The Edible Forest" and Foraging weekends: Into the Wild. We work with local guides to take you in the jungle of Paksong. After foraging, we will cook a meal with the ingredients, using bamboo together with you!
Come and join and learn about the abundance of food that nature gives us!
INTO THE WILD!
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