what can i use in place of fresh mint

What can I substitute for fresh mint?

Fresh mint can be used in salads, beverages, teas, as well as in sweet and savory dishes. Substitute 1 tablespoon chopped with 1 teaspoon dried mint.

What is the best way to use mint for cooking?

Mint is a useful herb to keep on hand. It is excellent for flavoring smoothies and other drinks; you can use it to complement savory flavors in a variety of dishes as well. You can add mint leaves to your spaghetti sauce, use it to make a pesto for chicken or even add it to a salad.

How much fresh mint should I use instead of dried?

If I have a recipe that calls for dried mint, but want the option to use fresh instead. I looked it up elsewhere online and the source said that with herbs, you should use 3 times the amount of fresh for the amount of dried, but that with mint, the dried and fresh amounts should be equal. Let me know what you think!

Can you use marjoram instead of Mint in cooking?

In a pinch: Marjoram. Marjoram has a delicate flavor along with the menthol qualities associated with mint. It can be used in almost all of the savory dishes that call for mint and is widely used for pasta dishes, soups and vegetables. When using marjoram as a mint substitute, start out by using half of the amount that the recipe dictates for mint.

What is a substitute for mint in a salad?

Mint's closest cousin is basil. Basil has similar refreshing flavors like mint, but it also has a peppery sweetness to it. The World of Food and Wine suggests substituting one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for every one tablespoon of fresh chopped mint if you are making either a sweet or savory dish.

Can you substitute dried mint for fresh?

If using dried mint to replace fresh mint in a recipe, it is advisable only to use about one-quarter the amount of dried mint you would fresh.

Can you use mint sauce instead of fresh mint?

You can use mint sauce as a substitute for fresh mint in certain dishes. Mint sauce works well in yogurt or humus-based dips or added to soups and salads instead of fresh mint leaves. In cocktails like a Mint Julep, it doesn't perform so well.

What are other uses for mint?

Uses for Mint LeavesMake your own mint syrup. Mint syrup can be used to flavor your summer drinks, snow cones, desserts and more. ... Perk up your pesto. ... Utilize as an insect repellent. ... Chew for fresh breath. ... Give your potatoes some pop. ... Fancy up your beverages. ... Spice up your salads. ... Give your butter a boost.More items...•

What is the ratio of dried mint to fresh mint?

When cooking with herbs, there is a general rule of thumb to keep in mind regarding the ratio of fresh to dry: Because dried herbs are often more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less. That means the correct ratio is one tablespoon of fresh herbs to one teaspoon of dried herbs.

Is basil the same thing as mint?

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 can you substitute for mint in a mojito?

No mint leaves? Try substituting basil, rosemary, cilantro, or jalapeno. You could also use a mint-flavored liqueur, mint bitters, or even a peppermint tea bag. Avoid mint extract or essential oil – they are both too concentrated and strong.

Is parsley the 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.

Can I substitute peppermint for mint?

The oil variety refers to a more concentrated form of peppermint but is also made from peppermint leaves. So, how do you use peppermint extract as a mint substitute? For each tablespoon of chopped mint leaves, you may use four drops of peppermint extract (or a single drop of peppermint oil).

How do I make mint?

How To Prepare and Cook with Mint. In the simplest of ways, fresh mint leaves (on stalk or off) can be added to hot or cold beverages. You can even “muddle” (crush) the mint to release more flavor. Mint can be chopped, roughly or finely or cut in thin ribbons (chiffonade).

Is it OK to eat raw mint leaves?

Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family, consisting of about 15 to 20 species, such as spearmint and peppermint, all of which are perfectly fine to eat raw or cooked. Mint leaves are a favored herb that people use, dried or fresh in many dishes and infusions.

What bugs does mint keep away?

The pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.

What does mint taste like?

This might very well surprise you, but I’d say that mint tastes cold.

Mint substitutes

Basil has a similar tender leaf as mint and is deeply aromatic. I’ve added basil leaves to avocado ice cream in place of mint, and it was a great addition to the sweet and rich dessert. This famed plant offers mint’s noted attributes: pungent, refreshing, and cooling. While basil comes with a slightly peppery texture, it still has a strong, sweet aroma, which also boasts a hint of coolness. You may use basil leaves as a one-to-one replacement for mint leaves..

What can I use instead of mint in Mojitos?

We recommend pinching five or six fresh rosemary leaves and muddling them into the mojito.

The bottom line

As distinct as it tastes, mint can be quite a versatile ingredient. Add it to your next Tequila Mojito and see what you think.

Mint substitute

Here are eight of the best substitutes for mint, from basil, rosemary to the dried mint variety.

Your best bet: Basil

The mint flavor is pungent but also refreshing and cooling. Basil offers these same qualities. Its flavor is slightly peppery but it has a strong, sweet aroma backed by the menthol coolness for which mint is known.

A decent second choice: Peppermint extract

Mostly known for flavoring candies and frosting, peppermint extract is easy to find and can provide a minty flavor in some dishes. Peppermint extracts may be labeled as pure, natural or artificial.

In a pinch: Marjoram

This herb is another member of the mint family and is widely used in Italian dishes. Marjoram has a delicate flavor along with the menthol qualities associated with mint. It can be used in almost all of the savory dishes that call for mint and is widely used for pasta dishes, soups and vegetables.

Other alternatives

Tarragon is another option that you can use to replace mint. It has a taste that is similar to anise and you can use it as a stand-in for mint in some drinks. Rosemary is another member of the mint family. It is perfect for all of mint’s savory applications and is a particularly effective complement for meats.

1. Peppermint extract

Peppermint extract, also known as peppermint flavoring, is a great substitute for mint in your baked goods and desserts.

2. Basil

Since basil belongs to the mint family, this makes it an ideal substitute for fresh mint. While it is an absolute staple in Italian cuisine, it is also used all over the world, especially in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking.

3. Marjoram

Yet another herb from the mint family, marjoram has green leaves that resemble knots, which is why some people refer to it as knotted marjoram.

4. Parsley

Parsley is yet another Mediterranean herb, used both for its vibrant green color and distinct herbal flavor. The fresh parsley makes for a great fresh mint substitute in your dishes, as it is bright, aromatic, slightly bitter, and herbaceous.

5. Cilantro

This mint replacement belongs to the parsley family, and it is often referred to as Mexican parsley or Chinese parsley.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a great mint leaf substitute since it is highly aromatic and quite dominant when it comes to flavor.

7. Tarragon

Tarragon is one of the most popular herbs in French cuisine – so popular that they even refer to its as the “king of herbs”.

Best Mint Substitutes

The following alternatives to mint will save your recipes if you are missing the mint itself. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will obtain a slightly different taste in the end as each ingredient brings a new flavor to your food.

Conclusion

Mint can be a great ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Even if it is hard to replace the rich flavor of mint, you can still achieve a delicious dish by using the substitutes in this guide. Feel free to get creative when it comes to cooking as you might discover new tastes and flavors by just adjusting the recipes a bit!

What are Mint leaves, fresh?

Fresh mint leaves are the pungent leaves of a plant from the "mentha" family used world-wide as a flavoring and a garnish. The two most popular mints are peppermint and spearmint. Both of these plants are very easy to grow but can become a garden pest.

Substitute For Fresh Mint Leaves

Substitute 1 tablespoon chopped with 1 teaspoon dried mint. Dried mint does keep its potency as long as it not stored past 6 months or so.

Grow Your Own Fresh Mint Leaves

Mint is best contained in a garden pot with moist (but not soggy) soil, so make sure to keep it consistently watered.

Favorite Mint leaves, fresh Recipes

Recipe for a fresh cranberry salsa with chiles, cilantro and mint that requires no cooking. Use alongside roasted turkey, chicken and delicious with pork