Before anyone gets the wrong idea, this is not an entry about the present monarch of the U.K. or about the Thai princess that may soon ascend to the throne. This queen reigns in the kingdom of basil and is as exotic as the land from which she originates. You're not likely to see any other herbs adorned with such eye catching blossoms. Nor are you going to find other basils that blend their basic flavor with notes of licorice and provide a perfect complement to many Asian dishes. I've heard that there are some gardeners that grow this herb purely for ornamental purposes. Who can blame them? It's almost too pretty to eat.
