Green versus Red Basil

[Primrose]

Is there any difference in taste / flavour between the two varieties?
I've just sown some green leaved basil which I use regularly. Have some red leaved seeds and wonder if they're also worth sowing or whether there is very little difference between them?.
I'm wondering whether the red leaved variety turns a mushy brown if used in copious quantities in tomato purrees, etc?

[Geoff]

I don't know - growing the freebie red seeds but only 1" high so far.

[Johnboy]

Hi Primrose,
I do know that the Red Basil started off life as an ornamental plant in flower bed arrangements and at the time people started to snick the odd leaf and said it was very good. Sadly I cannot abide Basil in any shape, size or colour so I am unable to really answer your question.
What I can say is that as an ornamental it proved to be quite hardy which is at least something in it's favour.
JB.

[Primrose]

I hadn't thought of growing it as an ornamental plant but might do so. Am sure it would give the slugs indigestion. I,ve previously planted a a rather ragged pot of the green variety in a border in summer. The slugs didn't touch it!

[PLUMPUDDING]

I've just tasted the red basil that were free seeds and it is rather strong tasting and not very pleasant. Like you say it looks quite ornamental though. I will stick to the green sweet basil or the Thai basil in future for flavour.

[pongeroon]

Not impressed with red basil (seeds given by my neighbour who is called Basil!) . The green Genoese and bush basil plants have done miles better.

[Chantal]

I've grown red basil before and been singularly unimpressed.

[Motherwoman]

I've not tried the red, usually grow the normal sweet basil under the toms in the greenhouse but this year I also planted a couple that my OH had left over from a job and I think they were Napolitana (?). Much larger leaves and a pleasant peppery taste.

MW