Basil...The Italian Wonder Herb

Basil is easily one of the worlds most popular herbs, found in cuisine all the way from Europe to Southeast Asia.
It is vibrant,  fresh and comes in many different species each with their own distinctive flavour and aroma. 
There is Lemon Basil, Holy Basil and a variety known as African Blue, but these are just a small sampling of the well over a hundred and counting varieties.
 

However the two most popular types of basil are the Italian variety known as Sweet basil and the Thai version know as well....Thai basil.  
So what are the differences? How do I use them?
 
Sweet Basil is more subtle has more of a clove scent while Thai basil has a anise or licorice flavour.
 
Sweet Basil

• Pesto- Use for sauces, pizza, bread spreads and even soup
• Pasta -Both in the dough itself or chopped into the pasta as a garnish or flavouring
• Soup- Tomato, basil and gin. Or just tomato basil if you don't cook with booze.
• Tomato Sauces

Thai Basil

• Drunken Thai Noodles
• Vietnamese Pho as a garnish
• Sanbeiji "Three-Cup Chicken
• Red and green curries (though Horapha Basil is usually used)

Basil is indispensable in the kitchen, and should be used fresh when possible, dried when necessary and enjoyed by all.