Basil seeds are useful for more than growing next year’s plants. These small black seeds are edible and can be used in drinks, puddings and desserts. If your basil plants have gone to seed, you may have a supply of seeds to experiment with in the kitchen. Once soaked, basil seeds develop a gelatinous coating that gives them an interesting texture and makes them a popular addition to cold drinks.
Basil seeds are popular in drinks and desserts throughout South Asia and parts of the Middle East. They are also known as sabja, sabja seeds, tukmaria or falooda seeds. You may have seen bottled basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) seed drinks or packages of the small black seeds in an international grocery store. Recipes vary by region, but they are especially popular in cold summer beverages. In Ayurvedic tradition, they are believed to have cooling properties, although this traditional use shouldn’t be confused with a scientifically established cooling or health benefit.
Key Takeaways
Basil seeds are edible and come from the sweet basil plant.
Also called sabja or tukmaria, they are popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern drinks.
Soaking the seeds creates a gelatinous coating and expands their s...