Purple Ruffles is a hybrid basil with intensely purple, deeply ruffled leaves and a flavour that's slightly milder and less intensely aromatic than Genovese but with a unique visual impact that makes it extraordinary on the plate. The purple leaves infuse oils and vinegars to a deep purple-red colour. A dual-purpose variety — ornamental in the garden and genuinely useful in the kitchen.
Flavour
Sweet basil character with a slightly milder, more subtle quality than Genovese — the visual impact tends to be stronger than the flavour punch. The purple leaves add an earthy, slightly mineral note alongside the classic basil sweetness. Most useful as a finishing herb where its colour makes the dish visually spectacular.
In the kitchen
Extraordinary for making purple basil oil or basil vinegar — the leaves infuse to a vivid, jewel-like purple colour. Scatter over plates of grilled fish, goat's cheese, and summer vegetables for dramatic colour contrast. Use in salads where the deep purple colour adds visual drama. Also makes a striking pesto with an unusual deep colour.
Growing
F1 hybrid. Grow in exactly the same way as Genovese. The purple colour is most intense in full sun — shaded plants may become more green. Slightly more cold-sensitive than green varieties. More bolt-resistant than some varieties. The deeply ruffled leaves are prone to water retention — avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spotting.