Africa

Clove Basil

Ocimum gratissimum.

Leaf.

Part Used

Fresh leaf.

Form

Efirin nla or related Yoruba terms overlapping with African basil naming; English 'clove basil' emphasizes its distinct clove-forward aroma.

Nigeria, Ghana, broader West Africa.

Strongly clove-like, peppery, more intensely spiced than standard African basil.

Aromatic herb for soups and infusions; also used medicinally as a tea.

Similar applications to African basil – pepper soup and grilled meat seasoning.

Ginger, chile, uziza leaf.

Add fresh at the end of cooking.

Fresh only; wilts and loses aroma within days.

African basil itself, or a small pinch of ground clove plus fresh basil.

Not a dry blend component.