Opal basil (Purple Basil), a dramatic dark hue sets this basil plant apart from the rest. The entire plant is eggplant-colored, including the flowers, stems, and large leaves. Their flavor and fragrance is a little more subtle and it is best eaten raw to enjoy the color.
Dark Opal basil (Basil Purple) is aromatic, bearing a spice-forward, clove-like scent, and the leaves have a sweet, savory, and earthy flavor with notes of anise, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and mint.