Thai Basil Siam Queen

Thai Basil Siam Queen: an exotic herb for your dishes

Thai Basil Siam Queen, with its captivating scent of anise and cinnamon, is a real gem for lovers of exotic flavours. This variety of basil, native to Thailand, brings a touch of Southeast Asia to your dishes and delicately perfumes your culinary preparations. Its purple flowering is very decorative, it can be grown in pots or planters.

Growing period and optimal conditions

Sowing: Thai Basil Siam Queen is generally sown from May to July in a greenhouse, undercover. Or directly in the ground when the risk of frost has passed. If you opt for this option, you will need to thin out the young plants.

Planting distance and depth in open ground: for optimal growth, it is recommended to plant young plants that have sprouted in the greenhouse about 20 to 30 cm apart and at a depth of the size of the root ball.

Germination time: Siam Queen basil seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days, provided that the soil is kept slightly moist and at a temperature of about 20°C.

Beneficial associations in the vegetable garden

Thai Basil Siam Queen is an excellent growing companion. It can be associated with:

• Tomatoes: basil attracts pollinating insects and keeps certain pests away from tomatoes.
• Peppers: this association promotes the growth of both plants and improves their flavour.
• Aubergines: basil protects aubergines from aphids and improves their taste.

Harvest and yield

Harvest period: you can start harvesting Siam Queen basil leaves as soon as the plant has reached a height of 10 to 20 cm and about fifteen leaves. It is best to harvest the leaves in the morning, before the heat has altered them.

Yield: the yield of a Thai Basil Siam Queen plant can vary depending on the growing conditions. However, you can expect a regular production of leaves throughout the hot season.

Taste and culinary uses

Thai Basil Siam Queen is distinguished by its pronounced taste of anise and cinnamon. It is ideal for:

Thai dishes: Tom kha gai, pad thai, green curry...

Salads: it brings an exotic and fragrant note to mixed salads.

Fish: it goes wonderfully with grilled or pan-fried fish.

White meats: it delicately flavours poultry and white meats.

Preserving Siam Queen Basil

To best preserve the flavours of Siam Queen basil, you can:

Freeze it: wash the leaves carefully, dry them and freeze them in airtight bags.

Dry it: hang the basil branches upside down in a dry and ventilated place, or use a dehydrator.

Flavour oil: pour olive oil into a jar, add the basil leaves and close tightly.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Siam Queen is an aromatic plant that is easy to grow and has multiple virtues. Its strong fragrance and unique flavour make it an essential ingredient for lovers of Asian cuisine. Don't hesitate to integrate it into your recipes to bring a touch of exoticism to your dishes.