Premium Dehydrated Hoary Basil – The Citrus-Peppery Soul of Central Highland Cuisine

1. Introduction to Hoary Basil

Hoary Basil (Ocimum americanum), widely known in Vietnam as Lá É or É Trắng, is a unique aromatic herb characterized by its fuzzy, pale green leaves and an extraordinary scent that blends bright citrus with a sharp, peppery kick. Unlike common Thai basil or Italian basil, Hoary Basil has a distinct “zesty” profile that is irreplaceable in dishes like the famous “Hoary Basil Chicken Hotpot” (Lẩu gà lá é).

At Vinahugo, we utilize Air-Drying (AD) or Freeze-Drying (FD) technology to preserve the high concentration of Citral and Limonene—the essential oils responsible for its signature fragrance. Our dehydrated Hoary Basil allows international kitchens to recreate authentic Vietnamese flavors with an herb that is notoriously difficult to find fresh outside of Southeast Asia.

2. Product Varieties

• Dehydrated Hoary Basil Flakes: Dried whole or sliced leaves. Perfect for spice blends, soups, and marinades.

• Freeze-Dried (FD) Hoary Basil: The premium standard. This grade maintains the “fuzzy” texture of the leaf and the most potent citrus-peppery aroma.

• Hoary Basil Salt Mix (Muối Lá É): A pre-blended savory condiment made with dried hoary basil, sea salt, and chili. A legendary dipping salt for grilled meats and fruits.

• Hoary Basil Powder: Finely ground dried leaves, ideal for use as a natural flavoring agent in sausages, snacks, or herbal supplements.

3. Technical Specifications

• Product Name: Dehydrated Hoary Basil / É Trắng / Lá É

• Scientific Name: Ocimum americanum

• Appearance: Pale green dried leaves; fuzzy texture.

• Flavor Profile: Intense citrus/lemon notes with a sharp, peppery, and slightly minty finish.

• Moisture Content: $\le 8\%$ (AD) | $\le 5\%$ (FD)

• Purity: 100% Natural, No artificial fragrances, No preservatives.

• Shelf Life: 12 – 18 months.

• Certification: ISO, HACCP, FDA, HALAL, Phytosanitary Certificate.

4. Key Features & Health Benefits

• Respiratory Relief: Traditionally used to treat colds, coughs, and flu symptoms due to its warming and antibacterial properties.

• Digestive Tonic: Helps relieve bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It is often consumed after heavy meals to aid digestion.

• Stress Reduction: The essential oils in the leaves act as a mild adaptogen, helping to soothe the nervous system and reduce stress.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Contains high levels of antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and support immune health.

• Natural Cooling: Despite its warming spicy note, it is used in traditional medicine to help the body regulate temperature during fevers.

5. Versatile Applications

5.1 Culinary & Food Manufacturing

• Specialty Soups: The essential ingredient for authentic Lẩu gà lá é (Chicken Hotpot) and various Central Highland stews.

• Dipping Salts: Mixed with salt and green chili to create a unique, aromatic condiment for grilled seafood and poultry.

• Marinades: Adds a bright, citrusy-herbal depth to roasted meats and BBQ rubs.

• Beverage Infusions: Can be added to herbal tea blends for a refreshing, lemony “zing.”

5.2 Wellness & Supplements

• Herbal Capsules: Ground powder is used in supplements focused on digestive health and immune support.

• Aromatherapy: The leaves can be used in herbal steam baths for respiratory clearing.

6. Packaging & OEM Services

• Bulk Packaging: 5kg to 10kg moisture-barrier bags inside master cartons.

• Retail Solutions: 20g to 100g premium jars or zip-lock pouches with Private Label support.

• Custom Formulations: We can produce specialized “Hoary Basil Chili Salt” blends tailored to your market’s saltiness and heat preferences.

7. Export Policy & Logistics

• MOQ: 50kg for trial orders | 20ft/40ft containers for wholesale volume.

• Lead Time: 7 – 14 business days from order confirmation.

• Shipping: Worldwide shipping via Sea (FCL/LCL) or Air Freight.

• Documentation: Full export set: COA, CO, Health Certificate, and Phytosanitary Certificate.

8. Why Choose Vinahugo?

• Authentic Origin: We source from the sunny, dry regions of Central Vietnam (Phu Yen/Gia Lai), where the Hoary Basil develops its most potent aromatic oils.

• Precision Drying: Our technology locks in the volatile citral compounds that typically evaporate in standard sun-drying.

• Zero Additives: We guarantee 100% pure herbs, ensuring the sharp “wild” fragrance of the plant remains untainted.

9. Contact Information

VINAHUGO CO., LTD 📞 Phone: +84 909 735 434 (WeChat – WhatsApp)

📧 Email: info@vinahugo.com | vinahugo.info@gmail.com

🌐 Website: vinahugo.com

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