Lemon basil is a popular herb that, as the name suggests, imparts a lemony flavor. But does it really taste like lemon? There are a few factors that contribute to the flavor profile of lemon basil. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the taste, aroma, and uses of lemon basil to determine just how lemony it is. We’ll examine the chemical compounds that give lemon basil its signature flavor and compare it side-by-side to regular basil and lemon. Read on to learn more about this zesty herb!
What gives lemon basil its flavor?
Like other herbs, the flavor and aroma of lemon basil come from its natural oils and phytochemicals. A few key compounds are responsible for its lemony essence:
Citral
Citral is an aromatic compound that is prevalent in lemongrass as well as lemon peels. It imparts a strong lemon odor and flavor. Lemon basil contains a high concentration of citral, especially in its flowers and leaves. This is likely the predominant compound that gives lemon basil its lemony punch.
Linalool
Linalool is a fragrant terpene alcohol that is found in many flowers and spices. It has a pleasant floral aroma. In lemon basil, linalool works together with citral to round out its lemony flavor profile.
Eugenol
Eugenol is an aromatic molecule that is commonly found in basil varieties. It provides the characteristic spicy, clove-like taste. The combination of eugenol, citral, and linalool gives lemon basil its unique flavor that sets it apart from regular sweet basil.
Other compounds
Other aromatic compounds found in lower concentrations in lemon basil include limonene, geraniol, and nerol. All of these contain citrusy notes that enhance the herb’s lemon essence.
How does lemon basil compare to regular basil?
To understand how lemony lemon basil tastes, it’s useful to compare it side-by-side with regular basil. Let’s take a look at their flavor profiles:
Sweet basil
Sweet green basil contains many of the same aromatic compounds as lemon basil, like linalool and eugenol, but at different concentrations. It has a higher level of estragole, which gives regular basil its trademark licorice-anise aroma. It lacks the lemon notes imparted by high amounts of citral.
Lemon basil
Lemon basil contains a much higher concentration of citral versus regular basil. It has lower amounts of anise-like estragole. The balance of its aromatic compounds, with citral dominating, gives lemon basil a strong lemon zing.
So while regular and lemon basil share some flavor notes, lemon basil sets itself apart with intense, bright lemon notes from its high citral content.
How does lemon basil compare to lemon?
Now let’s directly compare lemon basil to lemon itself:
| Lemon Basil | Lemon |
|---|---|
| Citral is the predominant aromatic compound, providing strong lemon flavor | Citral and limonene give lemon its characteristic fresh lemon aroma and taste |
| Also contains linalool, eugenol, geraniol, nerol, contributing additional floral, herbal notes | Lemon flavor and aroma is primarily driven by citral and limonene |
| Imparts both lemon flavor and aroma – can be used dried or fresh | Provides bright, tart lemon flavor when juice is extracted and tangy zest is used |
| Adds lemon flavor to both sweet and savory dishes | Used to add lemon flavor to baked goods, seafood, salad dressings, marinades, and beverages |
As you can see, lemon and lemon basil share citral as the predominant compound providing lemon notes. However, lemon basil has a more complex flavor profile with grassy, herbal undertones from its other aromatic compounds. Lemon juice and zest provide a bright, citrusy acidity, while lemon basil offers a subtle lemon essence.
So while lemon basil has an unmistakable lemon aroma and taste, it has its own unique flavor that is more complex than pure lemon.
How to use lemon basil
Now that we’ve compared lemon basil to regular basil and lemon, let’s discuss how it can be used to add flavor in cooking:
With vegetables
Add chopped lemon basil to:
- Salads
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Vegetable stir fries
- Pesto
Its lemony flavor pairs especially well with vegetables like zucchini, green beans, and asparagus.
With seafood
Lemon basil brightens up:
- Fish like salmon and tilapia
- Shrimp and scallop dishes
- Mussels or clams
Use it in marinades, broths or top cooked seafood with chopped lemon basil.
In desserts
Add lemon basil to:
- Fruit salads
- Lemonade, ice tea or water for flavor
- Citrus-based desserts
- Jams, jellies and chutneys
Its mild lemon taste is delightful with fruits and sweets. Use sparingly to prevent overpowering.
With poultry and meats
Lemon basil pairs wonderfully with chicken, turkey, pork and veal:
- Add to marinades and rubs
- Mix into stuffing
- Garnish grilled meats
- Stir into salad with meat
Its bright, zesty flavor cuts through rich meats nicely.
With herbs and spices
Blend lemon basil with:
- Garlic, onion, ginger – boost the flavor of sauces and marinades
- Parsley, thyme, oregano – use in herb mixes
- Black pepper, chili powder, cumin – spice up meat rubs and marinades
Complementary herbs and spices prevent the lemon basil flavor from dominating.
Should lemon basil be cooked?
Lemon basil holds up well to cooking. Here are some tips for using it in cooked dishes:
- Add early in cooking process to infuse flavor – soups, sauces, stir fries
- Add at the end for fresh lemon flavor and aroma – pasta, pizza, roasted veggies
- Use moderately – the lemon flavor intensifies when cooked
- Add to marinades and rubs for grilled or baked dishes
Cooking does reduce the volatile citral compound somewhat, but cooked lemon basil still retains its characteristic lemony essence.
Can you substitute lemon basil for regular basil?
Lemon basil makes a good substitute for regular basil when its lemony flavor is desirable:
- In salad dressings, marinades, pesto and herb mixes
- With vegetables, chicken, fish and seafood
- In lemon-based desserts and beverages
However, it does not work well as a 1:1 replacement in recipes where regular basil’s flavor profile is expected, like in Italian cooking. It’s best to reduce the amount and combine it with some regular basil.
The lemon zing overpowers dishes that rely on regular basil’s earthy, slightly sweet flavor. But lemon basil adds a wonderful brightness in many dishes.
Should you grow your own lemon basil?
Lemon basil is a great herb to grow yourself! Here are some benefits:
- Fill your garden and kitchen with its lovely lemon fragrance
- clipping fresh lemon leaves to use
- ready access to harvest for impromptu meals
- easily grow in gardens, pots or on patios
- attractive flowers and leaves – beautiful garnishes
Some tips for growing:
- Grow from seed, seedling or transplant
- Plant in well-draining soil & full sun
- Water frequently – up to twice a week
- Prune for bushier growth
- Harvest often to encourage more leaves
- May be grown indoors or outdoors
Homegrown lemon basil is fun to have and much more flavorful when freshly picked.
Conclusion
So what’s the verdict – does lemon basil really taste like lemons? While lemon basil has strong citrusy notes from citral, it does not taste exactly like lemons. Its flavor is more complex with grassy, herbal nuances. Lemon basil imparts a wonderful lemon essence, but also retains its own unique flavor profile that sets it apart from regular basil and lemon.
With its irresistible lemony fragrance and versatility enhancing both sweet and savory dishes, lemon basil is a stellar herb. Its complex lemon zing adds brightness and freshness to salads, vegetables, fish and much more. Growing lemon basil is simple, rewarding gardeners with its beauty and abundant leaves.
Though not a pure lemon flavor, lemon basil can provide a lovely lemony kick to countless dishes. Its citrusy aroma and taste bring a little ray of sunshine to any meal.