A Summarize Of All The Main Differences
| Main Aspects | Basil | Mint |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor & Odor | Sweet and savory flavor profile with hints of pepper, clove, anise, and mint | Bitter, yet sweet flavor and a cool, refreshing aftertaste |
| Plant’s Lifespan | Often less than a year except for some perennial varieties | 5-10 years |
Is basil and mint same?
Mint has a completely different appearance when placed next to a basil plant. Compared to the smooth and sleek look of the sweet basil leaves, the mint leaves look much rougher and textured. They have jagged edges along the leaf edges and also tend to have a fuzzy appearance.
What is basil supposed to taste like?
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.
Can you substitute mint for basil?
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.
Do mint and basil go together?
Basil works well with most other herbs: Parsley, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, chives, dill, mint and coriander.
Where is basil most commonly used?
Basil is undoubtedly the most loved and popular herb in Italy. Although we tend to associate it with Italy and other Mediterranean countries, it actually originated in India, and was brought to the Mediterranean via the spice routes in ancient times.
What is basil best used for?
Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.
Can you eat raw basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
Should you chop basil?
Gently tear the basil leaves off the stem and then into small pieces with your fingers as you’re sprinkling them on. Don’t use a knife to chop and don’t tear them up ahead of time. In fact, don’t even tear the leaves off the stems before you’re ready to use them.
How close is basil to mint?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb belonging to the Lamiaceae plant family. If you’re familiar with botanic terms, you’ll probably notice that the Lamiaceae family is also called the “mint family”. In other words, basil and mint are (in a way) related to one another.
What is the closest thing to basil?
Fresh oregano
Fresh 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 can you replace fresh basil with?
Best basil substitute
- Oregano. The best substitute for basil? Oregano. Keep in mind: the flavor profile is not the same!
- Tarragon. The next best substitute for basil? Tarragon.
- Mint. The last substitute for basil: mint! Like both oregano and tarragon, the flavor profile is not the same.
What foods taste good with basil?
The most commonly known pairing of basil is with tomatoes, but here are other foods that go well with basil along with recipe ideas and links.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most classic pairing with basil.
- Olive Oil.
- Garlic.
- Balsamic Vinegar.
- Fruit.
- Mint.
- Lemon.
- Eggplant.
Which herbs do not go together in cooking?
Rue, Anise and Dill
Avoid Planting Rue, Anise Or Dill Next to: Sage. Basil. Cabbage.
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.
Does basil lower blood pressure?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a flavorful herb that comes in various forms. It’s popular in alternative medicine because it’s rich in various powerful compounds. Sweet basil is high in eugenol. Research has linked this plant-based antioxidant to many health benefits, including lowered blood pressure ( 3 ).
Is eating fresh basil good for you?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Is basil good for your stomach?
Basil is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. Carminatives (also called aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters) may be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, particularly when there is excessive gas.
What do you add basil to?
Here are some other everyday ways to use it:
- 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!
What food is basil used in?
Fantastic on pastas, grilled bread with a bit of ricotta or drizzled over freshly grilled chicken, this pesto recipe highlights the aromatic sweetness of the basil.
Is basil a Superfood?
And if that’s not enough to propel the beautiful basil leaf into superfood territory, basil can also help regulate diabetes, support liver function and detoxify the body as well as heal a regular tummy upset.