Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the cultivation of basil and the production of basil oil, capitalizing on its favorable climate and agricultural expertise. Basil, known locally as “rau quế,” is grown extensively across the country, thriving in Vietnam’s warm, humid conditions. The production of basil oil, derived from the plant’s aromatic leaves and flowers, has become an important industry, with Vietnam exporting this high-quality essential oil to markets worldwide.
This article explores the processes involved in basil cultivation and basil oil production in Vietnam, highlighting the country’s growing influence in the global market and its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Basil Oil: Definition and Applications
Basil essential oil, extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Basil plant (Ocimum Basilicum), which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is renowned for its warm, spicy, and herbal fragrance. This versatile oil is used in a variety of applications:
Fragrance
Basil oil is a popular ingredient in the fragrance industry, appearing in a variety of products such as perfumes, candles, room sprays, diffusers, and personal care items.
Flavor
Basil oil is a fantastic addition to the culinary world, offering a concentrated Basil flavor that can enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages.
Aromatherapy
Basil oil is renowned for its stress and anxiety-relieving properties. Its calming aroma, when inhaled, can soothe the mind and body, making it a favored option for use in diffusers and room sprays.
Skin care
Basil oil is a versatile addition to your skincare routine, offering multiple benefits. It enhances skin hydration, making it softer and smoother. Its antimicrobial properties help treat and prevent acne breakouts, while its anti-aging effects reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a youthful complexion.
Basil essential oil is a multifaceted addition to your daily routine, providing a wide range of benefits for both wellness and beauty.
Basil cultivation & Basil oil production in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Basil is cultivated annually in plantations, primarily in the Delta River Region, starting in March. The plants are cultivated in furrows with well-drained soil. Each furrow measures 20cm in height and 120cm in width. The spacing between each plant ranges from 40-45cm, and the distance between each row is 70cm.
After 3-4 months, Basil plants, which grow to a height of 80 to 100cm and bear purple flowers, are ready for harvest. Farmers cut the top two-thirds of the plants on sunny days to maximize the essential oil content. The first harvest takes place in June, followed by the second harvest 45 days later, and the third harvest 45 days after the second. As a result, Basil is typically harvested three times for essential oil production, spanning from June to the end of September.
The dried Basil plants are loaded into the boiler, where they undergo a steam distillation process that lasts between 2 to 4 hours. During this time, the steam helps to release the essential oils from the plant material. The resulting mixture, an emulsion of water and Basil essential oil, is then collected. Due to the fact that Basil oil is lighter than water, it naturally separates and rises to the top, making it easy to collect.
The yield of basil essential oil from this process typically ranges from 0.5% to 0.6%, meaning that for every 100kg of dried basil plant material, approximately 0.5 to 0.6kg of essential oil is produced. The size of each batch can vary depending on the capacity of the boiler being used, with batches ranging from 200kg to 1000kg of plant material.
Basil oil market overview and predictions in Vietnam
The Basil oil market in Vietnam is set for ongoing expansion, driven by its varied uses and rising consumer demand for natural and organic products. This year, the area dedicated to Basil cultivation in Vietnam has grown by approximately 30% compared to 2023.
We are currently in the second harvest of Basil. Here is some information about the first two harvests:
1st Harvest
Completed in the first half of June, this harvest benefited from excellent biomass capacity and production yield due to very favorable weather conditions (no frost in January-February and suitable temperatures during the harvest). As a result, Basil oil output was about 40% higher than in the same period last year.
2nd Harvest
Continuous heavy rains, particularly from the recent storm Prapiroon (storm number 2), with rainfall ranging from 70 – 150 mm (about 5.91 in) and exceeding 300 mm (about 11.81 in) in some areas, caused significant damage to a large portion of the cultivation area. The Basil oil production yield & output from this harvest may fall short of expectations.
Thanks to the inventory of the 2023 crop, supply capacity until now is still estimated to be good for the current market demand. However, afterward, the supply will be tighter, especially in the 3rd harvest, due to bad weather conditions as forecast, and inventory will decrease when buyers place orders for their year-end purchase.
Prices were slightly better in the first half of 2024, but recently returned to the higher side due to the tighter supply forecast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam’s thriving basil cultivation and basil oil production industry reflect the country’s agricultural prowess and its strategic use of natural resources. The combination of ideal growing conditions, traditional farming practices, and modern techniques has enabled Vietnam to produce high-quality basil and essential oils that meet global demand. As the industry continues to expand, Vietnam’s commitment to sustainability and quality will likely strengthen its position as a key player in the international market. By focusing on innovation and sustainable practices, Vietnam not only supports its economy but also contributes to the global supply of this valuable and versatile herb.
Asia Specialty Ingredients (ASI), part of Asia Ingredients Group (AIG), specializes in the production and global export of essential oils and natural aromatics. Our range of products is meticulously processed using only the finest natural ingredients sourced from the typical lands of Vietnam, including Cassia, Basil, Star Anise, and more, ensuring good product quality. Contact us for more collaboration opportunity!
