Peppermint is the sweet basil of the mint species.
Is basil a kind 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.
Is Basil Mint same as mint?
Basil Mint is actually part of the Mint or Mentha family. Its leaves are rougher and more textured than sweet Basil, but it has a similar distinctive scent. Basil Mint is a hardy perennial herb that will last through the winter in warmer parts of New Zealand.
Does basil taste like mint?
As basil is a member of the mint family, it often has undertones of mint flavor, which is more or less noticeable depending on the type of basil you’re eating (I also find the stems are more minty than the leaves!)
Which is better mint or basil?
Mint is an excellent source of dietary fiber and it has 400% more dietary fiber than basil – basil has 1.6g of dietary fiber per 100 grams and mint has 8g of dietary fiber.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.
What does basil smell like?
In general, basil plants can produce different scents akin to cat urine, lemon, licorice, or even cinnamon due to the presence of particular compounds like mercaptan, anethole, citral, cinnamate. Some of these compounds can be externally introduced while others are naturally produced by specific basil varieties.
Does mint smell basil?
Mint and basil plants each have a strong identifying scent. Mint has a distinct menthol fragrance that is also cool to the taste if you bite down on a leaf. All you need to do is simply rub the leaves between your fingers and the scent will start drifting up to your nose.
What Flavour is basil?
The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.
Why is my basil minty?
Because they are closely related. Both basil and mint belong to the Lamiaceae family of aromatic plants.
What flavor does basil add to spaghetti sauce?
Marinara sauce is a simple Italian tomato sauce with just a few ingredients. Most of them are already in your pantry. Don’t skip the fresh basil. It gives the sauce a light, bright flavor.
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.
What is basil mint used for?
Culinary Uses
Basil mint leaves can be made into pesto, used for flavoring melon, tomatoes, fruit salad; flavor water as a cool refreshing drink in summer and flavor sugar. Add finely chopped leaves sparingly to potato salad, chicken stuffing, boil mint leaves with cabbage.
Can you plant basil with mint?
Mint and basil are great companion plants to grow next to each other in separate growing spaces as mint can repel pests like aphids and beetles that would damage tender basil leaves. Growing mint and basil together is a rewarding process and a great introduction to companion gardening.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Is it OK to eat raw basil leaves?
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Sweet basil is high in eugenol. Research has linked this plant-based antioxidant to many health benefits, including lowered blood pressure ( 3 ). Studies suggest that eugenol may help reduce blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
What are the most common uses for basil?
How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Is basil used in perfume?
Usually used as a top or middle note in perfumes, basil awakens the mind and gives a sweet, green top note to the perfumes it is used for. Extracted through steam distillation, basil essential oil is believed to have a lot of therapeutic properties.
Why doesn’t my basil smell like basil?
If you’re too busy to constantly prune and take out the buds from your basil plant, don’t be surprised if the next crop of basil leaves you cut from your plant aren’t as fragrant or aromatic as before. The reason for this is the fact that your plant has matured. When basil bolts, it becomes more fibrous.
What herb smells like mint?
Peppermint geranium, left, and mint rose geranium both smell like mint and provide a great scent for the windowsill. There are nice houseplants called St. John’s mint (Micromeria brownei) and Jamaican peppermint (Satureja viminea).