Organic
Opal Basil
"The Jewel of Herbs, adding a pop of color and fragrance"
A popular, compact and bushy herb variety with striking purple-red tinted leaves, Opal Basil is known for its distinctive color, sweet aroma and mild, slightly spicy flavor. It adds beauty to a variety of dishes, salads and desserts, and pairs perfectly with vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and other herbs.
Also known as
Purple Opal, Purple Basil, Rubra, Red Rubin
Botanical name
Ocimum
Product Details
PLU Code
94886
5-digit code
Category
Herbs
Basil › All Sizes
Origin
Originated in the Mediterranean region and Central Africa
Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Shelf Life
2 weeks
Status
Approved
About Opal Basil
Opal Basil is relatively easy to grow, requiring partial shade and regular watering. It's a warm-season crop that thrives in well-drained soil and can be grown in containers or in-ground.
Nutrition Information
Opal basil is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. One 20-gram serving of fresh opal basil leaves contains approximately 22 calories, 3.5 grams of carbohydrates, 0.6 grams of protein, and 0.2 grams of fat. It is also rich in vitamins A and K, with one serving providing 264 micrograms of vitamin A and 22 micrograms of vitamin K. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium in smaller amounts. Opal basil is also a good source of antioxidants and has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Storage & Handling
Commercial storage guidance for basil. Storage life depends on initial quality, maturity, cultivar and handling; this is not a household shelf-life guarantee.
Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Humidity
95-100%
Packaging
Breathable bags or containers to maintain humidity
Shelf Life
2 weeks
Storage Notes: Basil is chilling sensitive: cold storage or display causes browning or blackening of the leaves and increases decay. Sensitive to ethylene: keep away from ethylene-producing fruit. Source: USDA Agriculture Handbook 66 (rev. 2016).
Source: USDA Agriculture Handbook 66 (rev. 2016), pp. 173-175.
Applies to: basil.
Not verified by this source: packaging (retained from earlier enrichment).
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PLU Reference
4-digit codes: Conventional produce
93000-94999: Organic form of an assigned 3000-4999 code
83000 series: Future conventional assignments
84000 series: Corresponding future organic assignments
Prefix 8: Has no standalone GMO significance
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