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.
Is basil a type 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 I use basil instead of mint?
If you need a fresh herb to substitute for mint, then your best option is basil. People commonly use this for providing a similar freshness to food. Keep in mind that basil won’t have the same mint intensity and it will add a sweet, peppery flavor to your food.
Does basil taste like mint?
Regular basil has a sweet and savory taste profile with peppery and minty undertones. Some also say it has a hint of anise. Additionally, basil has a clove-like and slightly sweet aroma. You will instantly think of pesto the moment you smell its leaves.
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.
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’s a substitute for mint?
The Best Mint Substitutes
- Flat 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 is similar to mint?
Best Alternatives to Mint Budget Tracker
- Personal Capital–Best Overall Alternative to Mint.com.
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- CountAbout–Best for converting data from Mint.
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- You Need a Budget (YNAB)–Best for budgeting.
- PocketSmith.
- Fidelity Full View.
What can replace fresh mint?
Mint substitutes
- Basil. Basil has a similar tender leaf as mint and is deeply aromatic.
- Peppermint extract. Peppermint extract is also one of your safest bets when it comes to mint substitution.
- Marjoram.
- Tarragon.
- Rosemary.
- Parsley.
- Cilantro.
- Dried mint.
Do mint and basil go together?
Basil works well with most other herbs: Parsley, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, chives, dill, mint and coriander.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, basil leaves can be consumed raw as long as they are well sanitized before consumption. You can consume them along with other salad leaves or with tomato and cheese, it is a good combination, it depends on your creativity and your taste.
What is basil used for?
Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
What leaves are mint?
Mint or mentha belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which contains around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint. It is a popular herb that people can use fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions.
Why does my basil smell like mint?
Because they are closely related. Both basil and mint belong to the Lamiaceae family of aromatic plants. The mint family (Lamiaceae) is known for its aromatic members, especially the mints and balms.
What can you use mint basil for?
Fall in love with fresh Basil Mint Pesto, with its bright, refreshing complexity of flavors, its versatility, and the quick and easy process of making it! Spread it on sandwiches, toss it with pasta, use it as a base for flatbread pizzas, or serve it with a cheeseboard. There are endless ways to use this vibrant sauce!
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.
Is Thai basil related to mint?
Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is a member of the mint family and as such has a particular sweet flavor reminiscent of anise, licorice, and clove.
What does basil smell like?
Basil comes in all smells, tastes, shapes, and sizes. It is a versatile herb that can take on different characteristics through selective breeding. It is normal for basil to smell like lemon, cinnamon, and licorice. If your basil smells like cat urine, it may be due to the genetics of the basil plant.
Is parsley same as mint?
Differences between Parsley and Peppermint
Parsley has more Vitamin C, Vitamin A RAE, Iron, and Folate, while Peppermint has more Manganese, Copper, Fiber, Vitamin B2, Calcium, and Magnesium. Parsley’s daily need coverage for Vitamin C is 112% higher. Peppermint contains 2 times less Vitamin A RAE than Parsley.
Are mint and peppermint the same thing?
The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species.
Is peppermint and mint the same herb?
The term “mint” is an umbrella term for the Mentha plant family that includes spearmint, peppermint, orange mint, apple mint, pineapple mint and more. Mint is a perennial and wide-spreading herb.