Cinammon basil - Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'

Cinammon basil – exotic basil with a sweet‑spicy cinnamon aroma. 

This variety is an annual basil with narrow, dark‑green leaves showing reddish‑violet veins. Its aroma is defined by methyl cinnamate and distinctly reminiscent of cinnamon, with a sweet‑spicy note. The plant grows bushy and is ideally suited for open field, greenhouse, and container cultivation. Aromatic, high‑yielding, and open‑pollinated - perfect for self‑sufficiency and organic farming.

  Origin & History

‘Cinnamon’ is an open‑pollinated basil variety, also known as “Mexican Spice Basil.” It originated through targeted selection within the sweet basil group and was cultivated for its characteristic aroma, defined by a high content of methyl cinnamate that gives a distinct cinnamon‑like scent. Early references to this aromatic line appear in 19th‑century botanical collections, when European and American botanists described basil variants from Mexico and South America. From there, the variety spread into tropical and subtropical regions, where its exotic flavor was quickly appreciated.

In Mexico and Central America, ‘Cinnamon’ was traditionally used as a seasoning herb for meat dishes, vegetable stir‑fries, and teas. Its sweet‑spicy aroma made it a popular addition to everyday cooking, giving meals a unique note. During the 20th century, the variety reached the United States and Europe, initially introduced as an exotic specialty and soon recognized as one of the most distinctive basil types. Today, ‘Cinnamon’ is considered one of the best‑known aromatic varieties within the basil family. It is cultivated worldwide and is valued both in cuisine and herbal medicine. Its unmistakable cinnamon aroma sets it apart from classic basil types, giving it a special place both in culinary use and cultural history.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows upright and bushy, reaching a height of about 60 cm. It produces numerous large, dark‑green leaves and develops light‑violet flowers that attract insects irresistibly. Warm‑loving and frost‑sensitive, with striking violet‑colored stems.

Leaf details:

• Size: Medium, approx. 5-7 cm long leaves

• Shape: Narrow to slightly lanceolate, faintly serrated

• Color: Dark green with reddish‑violet veins

• Texture: Tender, juicy

• Flavor: Sweet‑spicy with a pronounced cinnamon aroma

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

‘Cinnamon’ leaves are excellent for fresh use in salads, smoothies, and as garnish. Their sweet‑spicy aroma makes them an extraordinary ingredient in creative cuisine. They fit beautifully into desserts, fruit salads, drinks such as teas, lemonades, and cocktails, and are also popular in pestos and marinades. In addition, they refine meat and poultry dishes, give vegetable stir‑fries and rice dishes an exotic note, and are ideal for flavoring vinegar, oil, and syrup. In Mexican and Central American cooking they are traditionally used for hearty stews and herbal teas, while in modern fusion cuisine they are valued as an aromatic addition to bowls, wraps, and vegetarian dishes. Dried leaves are used in herb blends or as incense, and even in sweet creations such as chocolate desserts or pastries cinnamon basil unfolds its unmistakable aroma.

Thanks to its bushy growth and warmth‑loving nature, ‘Cinnamon’ thrives reliably in open field, greenhouse, and container cultivation. Pruning promotes bushy growth and extends the harvest period. Particularly noteworthy are its decorative flowers and unique cinnamon aroma, which distinguish ‘Cinnamon’ from classic basil varieties. The variety also shows good adaptability to different sites and grows well even in lighter soils. It has strong regenerative ability after cutting and continuously produces new leaves, ensuring abundant yields throughout the season. Its striking violet‑colored stems and delicate blossoms also make it an attractive ornamental plant, convincing not only in the kitchen but also in garden aesthetics. Even under changing weather conditions it remains stable in growth and delivers reliable harvests. In pots it is excellent for balcony and terrace gardens, remaining compact while producing abundant aromatic foliage.

Compared to other basil varieties, ‘Cinnamon’ has a sweet‑spicy and pronounced cinnamon aroma – ideal for anyone who values open‑pollinated basil with exceptional flavor and decorative flowers.