In this paper the aroma profiles of infusions prepared from lemon
basil were evaluated. Fresh samples from UK-grown lemon basil
at pre-flowering, full flowering, and post-flowering stages were
analysed, in order to reveal any variation in the profile of the aroma
volatiles and to investigate the effect of both the growth stage and
the parts of the plants (leaves, aerial branches and flowers) analysed
on the overall flavour composition. This investigation of the
volatile composition of lemon basil infusions may give information
about the optimum time to harvest for the most desirable flavour
attributes.