1. Introduction to Lá É
Table of Contents
White Basil (Vietnamese: Lá É or É Trắng) is a special variety of basil that is an absolute staple of the Central Highlands and South-Central coast of Vietnam (notably Phu Yen and Da Lat). It is often mistaken for Lemon Basil or Holy Basil, but it possesses a distinctively pungent, citrusy, and slightly spicy aroma that is unmatched.
At Vinahugo, we source our Lá É from the high-altitude farms of Da Lat. This cool climate intensifies the essential oils in the leaves, making our White Basil the preferred choice for authentic Vietnamese hotpots and aromatic seasonings.
2. Product Characteristics
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Appearance: Smaller, narrower leaves than standard Italian basil, with a pale green to almost yellowish-green color. The stems and leaves are covered in fine, soft hairs.
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Texture: Tender and thin; it wilts quickly when added to heat, releasing its flavor immediately.
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Flavor Profile: A bold, refreshing fusion of citrus (lemon/lime), mint, and a peppery kick. It has a “warming” effect on the palate.
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Aroma: Highly aromatic and sharp; the scent can fill a room the moment the leaves are crushed.
3. Technical Specifications
4. Key Features & Health Benefits
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Digestive Support: Traditionally used to treat bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps.
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Respiratory Relief: The essential oils (citral and limonene) help clear the respiratory tract and soothe coughs.
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Natural Antiseptic: Possesses antibacterial properties that support the immune system.
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Detoxification: Known for its diuretic properties, helping the body flush out excess toxins.
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Stress Reduction: The bright, citrusy scent acts as a natural mood lifter and helps reduce mental fatigue.
5. Versatile Applications
5.1 Iconic Central Highland Cuisine
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Lẩu Gà Lá É (Chicken Hotpot with White Basil): The most famous dish from Da Lat. The leaves are added to a simmering pot of chicken and bamboo shoots, creating a broth that is savory, fragrant, and slightly spicy.
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Muối Lá É (White Basil Salt): Leaves are pounded with green chilies and sea salt to create a world-class dipping salt for grilled meats and seafood.
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Grilled Dishes: Used as a marinade for “Gà Nướng” (Grilled Chicken) to infuse the meat with a lemony, herbal depth.
5.2 Beverages & Wellness
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Herbal Infusions: Fresh leaves can be steeped with ginger and honey for a warming, therapeutic tea.
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Seed Use (Hạt É): The seeds of this plant are the famous “Basil Seeds” used in Southeast Asian dessert drinks for their cooling, gelatinous texture.
6. Packaging & Export Solutions
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Fresh Wholesale: Bundled and packed in ventilated cartons with specialized parchment lining to regulate moisture.
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Retail Ready: Available in breathable clamshells or vacuum-sealed bags for specialty Asian markets.
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Logistics: Due to its extreme sensitivity to bruising and heat, Lá É is exported exclusively via Air Freight. We utilize rapid cooling post-harvest to stabilize the leaves.
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Dried Variety: We also offer high-quality dried Lá É and powdered Lá É for international seasoning manufacturers.
7. Export Policy & Logistics
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MOQ: (Fresh – Air) | (Dried – Air/Sea).
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Lead Time: 1 – 2 days from harvest to airport departure.
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Shipping: Specialized in routes to Singapore, Korea, Japan, and the EU.
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Documentation: Bill of Lading, Invoice, Packing List, C/O, and Phytosanitary Certificate.
8. Why Choose Vinahugo?
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High-Altitude Quality: Our Da Lat-grown White Basil has a significantly higher concentration of citral oils compared to lowland varieties.
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Zero Pesticide Residue: We adhere to strict VietGAP protocols, ensuring the leaves are safe for raw consumption and salt-making.
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Specialized Handling: We understand that White Basil “turns” quickly; our cold-chain process is designed to prevent leaf blackening during transit.
9. Contact Information
VINAHUGO CO., LTD
📞 Phone: +84 909 735 434 (WeChat – WhatsApp)
📧 Email: info@vinahugo.com
📧 Email: vinahugo.info@gmail.com
🌐 Website: vinahugo.com
💬 WhatsApp: Click to chat directly
