Skip to product information
Seeds | Tuscan Lettuce Leaf Basil
  • Seeds | Tuscan Lettuce Leaf Basil
Seeds | Tuscan Lettuce Leaf Basil

Seeds | Tuscan Lettuce Leaf Basil

$3.99 CAD
Format

Quantity

An Italian cultivar prized for its broad, wavy, lettuce-like leaves. This basil offers an intense aroma and mild flavor, ideal for traditional pesto and Mediterranean dishes.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Tuscan leaf basil, also known as lettuce basil, is a distinctive and popular variety of basil, prized for its large green leaves and sweet, fresh fragrance. Here's a detailed look at its history and characteristics:

  • Origins and History
    Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is native to India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated and used for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. It arrived in Europe via trade routes and cultural exchanges between Asia and the Mediterranean basin.
  • Characteristics of Tuscan Leaf Basil
    Appearance: Tuscan leaf basil is distinguished by its broad, almost lettuce-like leaves, hence its nickname 'Lettuce Leaf'. The leaves can grow up to 3 to 4 inches long, with a slightly wrinkled texture and a bright green color.
  • Flavor: It offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor, without the bitterness sometimes present in other basil varieties. This makes it ideal for use fresh in salads, sandwiches, sauces, and traditional Italian dishes like pesto.
  • Uses: Tuscan leaf basil is widely appreciated for its versatility in cooking. It can be used as a main ingredient or as a garnish to add freshness and flavor to a variety of dishes. It is particularly popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

Culture and Popularity
Cultivation: This basil thrives in warm, sunny climates and can be grown both in the ground and in pots. It requires well-drained soil and direct sunlight to thrive.

Popularity: Due to its impressive size and mild flavor, Tuscan leaf basil is often favored by home gardeners and chefs for its ease of growing and abundant leaf yield.

  • Culinary Use
    Pesto: Tuscan basil is a great ingredient for making fresh pesto. Simply blend the leaves with garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil to create a fragrant and delicious sauce.
  • Salads and Sandwiches: Large basil leaves are perfect for garnishing salads or sandwiches, adding a touch of freshness and aroma without overpowering other flavors.
  • Cooking: It can also be added to pasta dishes, soups, sauces, and even desserts for a distinctive herbaceous flavor.

In short, Tuscan basil is not only appreciated for its beauty and impressive size, but also for its delicious, mild flavor that enhances a wide variety of dishes. Its history dates back to the roots of Mediterranean culture, and its use continues to captivate taste buds around the world.
PROPERTIES

Tuscan leaf basil, like other basil varieties, offers several health benefits due to its phytochemicals and essential nutrients. Here are some of the medicinal properties associated with this aromatic herb:

  • Antioxidant: Tuscan basil is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. These substances help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Certain compounds found in basil, such as eugenol, have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is often associated with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
  • Antibacterial and antiviral effects: Tuscan basil has antibacterial and antiviral properties, thanks to its essential oils like linalool and citronellol. These compounds can help fight common bacterial and viral infections.
  • Digestive Support: Basil is traditionally used to relieve digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps. It can aid digestion by stimulating bile production and improving intestinal motility.
  • Stress Reduction: Basil is known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It contains compounds like linalool that can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer and more balanced mental state.
  • Immune Support: The nutrients in basil, including vitamin C and vitamin A, along with its antimicrobial properties, can strengthen the immune system and help prevent infections.
HOW TO COOK?

Tuscan basil is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways in the kitchen to add freshness and flavor to your dishes. Here are some ideas for cooking with Tuscan basil:

  • Use in the Kitchen
    Basil Pesto:

Make a delicious pesto by blending Tuscan basil leaves with garlic cloves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and use this pesto to season pasta, sandwiches, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Salads:

Add fresh Tuscan basil leaves to your salads to add a herby flavor and subtle aroma. They pair particularly well with tomato, mozzarella, and basil salads (Caprese salad).

  • Infusions:

Prepare a Tuscan basil leaf infusion by pouring hot water over a few fresh leaves in a cup. Let it steep for a few minutes before enjoying. This infusion is refreshing and can be consumed hot or cold.

  • Accompaniment for Meat and Fish:

Use Tuscan basil leaves to garnish grilled meat dishes like chicken or pork, or fish dishes. They add a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Tomato Sauce:

Add finely chopped Tuscan basil leaves to homemade tomato sauces. They enrich the sauce's flavor and complement pasta dishes perfectly.

  • Pizza Topping:

Sprinkle fresh Tuscan basil leaves over your pizza just before serving. This adds an aromatic note and enhances the overall taste of the pizza.

  • Storage Tips
    To keep Tuscan basil fresh longer, place the stems in a glass of water as you would flowers. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Change the water daily to maintain freshness.

You can also dry Tuscan basil leaves by hanging them upside down in a dry, ventilated area. Once dried, store them in an airtight container away from light for future use.

By incorporating Tuscan leaf basil into your recipes, you'll discover a delicious way to enhance the flavor of your dishes while benefiting from its beneficial aromatic and medicinal properties.
HOW TO GROW?

To have production all summer long, pinch the flowers and the ends of the stems, this will encourage the production of new leaves.

You can also grow this variety in pots. It requires a warm environment and plenty of sun.

It is a productive variety when taken care of well.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Ocimum basilicum
  • Sowing: Early March-April (or consecutive sowing every 2-3 weeks until May)
  • Seeds: 3 seeds per cell or pot in late March-April. Plant in the ground from late May or after the last frost in your area. (You can grow indoors in pots year-round)
  • At the end of May, sow directly into the ground.
  • Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
  • Sowing: I start in March, because I like to have this variety inside before putting it in the ground or in a pot outside, and I also like to grow it next to tomatoes and peppers :)
  • Germination time: 7-14 days
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
  • Location: Requires very hot cultivation and plenty of sun
  • Spacing between plants: 40-45cm
  • Height at maturity 30-35cm
  • Maturity: 42-45 days
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100

You may also like