Basil and mint are both versatile herbs that belong to the Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint or deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all parts and include widely used culinary herbs, such as basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, laven…Lamiaceae
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Is basil a form of mint?
The Lamiaceae family is known as the mint family. However, the largest group of plants in the mint family is actually the delightful Salvias with their brilliantly coloured blooms. Many other commonly known herbs are also found in this family, including basil, sage, thyme and even lavender.
Can you substitute basil with mint?
Mint. Mint is actually a cousin to basil. Mint has and same minty profile as basil and the same vibrant color. Mint can be a good substitute for basil, especially in dessert recipes.
Which is better basil or mint?
Both basil and mint are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium. Basil has 4.6 times less carbohydrates than mint. Basil has 67% less calories than mint. Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin K.
What is the closest thing to basil?
Fresh oreganoFresh oregano. This is the closest substitute when it comes to texture, flavor, and color. However, similar to basil, they could easily overpower the dish, so adjust to taste. Great for almost anything basil is used for!
What's a substitute for basil?
Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
What is basil good for?
These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. heart disease, and bowel issues. Basil has antibacterial properties. The oils in the herb may help to fight bacteria in people with respiratory, urinary, abdominal, and skin infections.
Do basil and mint taste good together?
Mint. Since basil is part of the mint family, it makes sense that basil and mint go well together. You can add a combination of the two herbs in any recipe that uses mint such as this Raw Kiwi Tart with Ginger, Mint and Coconut. Mix basil and mint in pesto and vinaigrettes.
Is basil a cilantro?
Basil has a sweet, clove-like flavor while cilantro has a distinct sour taste. Basil (the Genovese one) presents larger and curvy leaves while cilantro ones are smaller and flatter. Hence, are basil and cilantro the same thing? These herbs belong to different plant families and have many different characteristics.
Do mint and basil go together?
Basil works well with most other herbs: Parsley, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, chives, dill, mint and coriander.
What is a substitute for mint?
The Best Mint SubstitutesFlat Leaf Parsley. Parsley is much more subdued in flavour compared with mint. ... Coriander (Cilantro) Will work in a similar way but just takes the flavours in a different direction. ... Basil. ... Dried Mint. ... Peppermint Tea Leaves.
What can replace mint leaves?
If you don't have fresh mint leaves, try one of these alternatives:Substitute 1 tablespoon chopped with 1 teaspoon dried mint. ... OR - 1 teaspoon mint from a herbal mint teabag.OR - 1 drop peppermint oil. ... OR - For an alternate flavor, try substituting 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chopped fresh basil.
What can I replace basil with in pesto?
The best substitutes for basil in pesto are other greens that have similar properties. Herbs like parsley, oregano, cilantro, mint, sage, or tarragon work well. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, or even carrot and beet greens also make great substitutions.
How do basil and mint differ in flavor?
Of the many varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular one for western cooking. This is the Mediterranean version of the herb and is also called Genovese basil. Its complex, sweet aroma contains notes of anise and clove with a mild peppery flavor that is easier to detect when the herb is used fresh.
Can basil be used in place of mint and vice versa?
Both basil and mint are members of the same family, which means that they do share certain properties. Basil can be used as a mint substitute in all of its savory applications and can do just as good a job at flavoring vegetables. It is also sweet enough to be useful in some dessert applications.
Do mint and basil provide the same or similar nutritional benefits?
Both spearmint and basil are very good sources of vitamin A with basil providing 175 percent of your daily recommended intake per 100 g serving and mint providing 135 percent. Both herbs are rich in minerals including calcium.
What are the best uses for basil and for mint?
While there are several dessert and beverage recipes that incorporate basil, the herb is used mostly in savory dishes. It is best known for its role in flavoring pasta sauces where both the fresh and dried herb may be used, and for its use in pestos. Fresh basil may also be used in salads and is a great topping for pizza.
How to plant new basil and mint plants together
When planting out new seedlings that are 3-4 inches high both basil and mint can live together happily. Mint is a fast growing invasive plant that spreads by growing new plants from their roots. Mint can quickly take over a pot as it spreads and grows new plants and stems on its roots.
Caring for basil and mint in winter
Mint will go dormant over winter too with its leaves and stems turning brown and dying back. The mint will be hiding healthy roots under the soil while the annual basil will be dying back completely. The mint can be trimmed back to 2-3 inches and it will grow back in spring.
How to grow basil and mint together in pots
You can grow basil and mint together in pots for around 1 year before the mint will take over the space. When you buy a new mint plant and a new basil in spring, they will both fit in a pot that is around 10 inches wide.
What herbs grow well with mint?
Planting annual herbs that grow well in the summer is a great option for planting with mint. Mint is a fast growing plant that takes over when it gets the chance. To successfully grow other herbs with mint, choose fast growing annuals like basil and parsley. You can also grow radishes which will grow in a few weeks and be ready to be picked.
What grows well with basil?
Basil is a fantastic summer herb and grows well with tomatoes, strawberries, parsley and mint. Basil makes the perfect companion to your tomato plants and both can be used in Italian dishes, on pizzas and pasta dishes.
Is it better to grow mint and basil in pots or the ground?
Mint is an invasive plant so it is usually best to plant it in a pot rather than in the ground. Planting mint in an enclosed garden bed that does not reach the rest of your garden will be fine but be prepared for the mint to grow rapidly and take over the space.
Holy Basil
Background: Holy basil is the sacred basil for Hindus, and is used in both their cooking and for creating medicines. The leaves of holy basil were buried with the dead in India to help them get into heaven.
Common or Sweet Basil
Background: Basil is a member of the mint family, and has been used around the globe dating back to at least the 14th century.
Holy Basil vs Common Basil Differences
You may have heard of “tulsi” which is the ayurvedic name for holy basil, so if you were wondering, Tulsi and holy basil are the same thing.
Where to Buy Holy Basil
It can be challenging to find specific varieties of basil, especially if you want to get seedlings or plant starts. While sweet basil is one of the most common types you can find in stores, it can be challenging to find fresh holy basil or seedlings.
Should You Use Holy Basil or Regular Basil?
Both holy basil and sweet basil have plenty of uses. Holy basil is a powerful medicinal plant that’s been used for centuries in Asia and throughout the world. Sweet basil is more commonly used in the kitchen, but both varieties will serve you well in the garden as basil is a great companion plant.
