Basil

Holy basil (kaprow)

Lemon basil (manglak)

Thai basil (horapa)

Basil is used as a seasoning and garnish in Thai cooking. Three varieties are often used. Thai basil (horapa) tastes rather like Italian sweet basil with a touch of anise and is used in red and green curries. It is available year round. Lemon basil (manglak) has a lemony flavor that goes well with soups and salads, especially with Kanom Jeen curry noodles. Holy basil or hot basil (kaprow) has distinctive purple–reddish leaves and a mint–like zesty flavor and is used for stir–fries such as Pad Bai Kaprow. Holy basil is hard to find and mostly available during the midsummer months. Basil doesn't store well, so buy it just before you intend to use it. European sweet basil can be used as a substitute for every varieties if you cannot realize the Thai varieties. Basil has a strong flavor, so don't use more than the recipe states.