Aromatic herbs, appreciated since Antiquity for their fragrant, tasty, medicinal and anti-depressant properties, are generally grouped into 3 major botanical families, each with its distinctive characteristics. The better we know them, the more easily we can play with them…🌿
- Lamiaceae family includes lemon balm, mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano, marjoram or hyssop…
- Alliaceae includes onion, shallot, garlic, chives, spring or green onions…
- Apiaceae, where we find dill, chervil, coriander, parsley, fennel, angelica…
These families reflect the variety of aromatic herbs in both culinary and medicinal traditions and may guide us proceed best with substitutions:
| HERB | SUBSTITUTE |
|---|---|
| 🌿BASIL has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Use oregano or thyme for a similar earthiness, or mint for freshness | Oregano, thyme, or mint |
| 🌿CORIANDER has a unique, lemony flavor. Parsley provides a milder taste, while mint adds freshness | Parsley, mint, or a mix of both |
| 🌿PARSLEY is mild and slightly peppery; coriander gives a stronger flavor, while chervil adds a delicate sweetness | A mix of coriander, chervil and celery leaves |
| 🌿THYME is earthy and woody. Oregano and marjoram provide similar profiles, while rosemary is more intense | Oregano, marjoram, or rosemary |
| 🌿ROSEMARY is robust and piney. Thyme and oregano offer earthy alternatives, while sage has a similarly strong profile | Thyme, sage, or oregano |
| 🌿OREGANO is peppery and slightly bitter. Marjoram provides a sweeter note, while thyme is earthier | Thyme, marjoram, or basil |
| 🌿MINT (MOROCCAN) is cooling and sweet. Basil provides a similarly fresh note, while coriander adds brightness | Basil or coriander or a mix of both |
| 🌿DILL has a grassy, slightly anise-like flavor. Fennel fronds match its sweetness | Fennel fronds or parsley. or a mix of both |
| 🌿SAGE is strong and slightly peppery. Thyme and rosemary provide similar earthiness. | Thyme, rosemary |
| 🌿LAUREL (BAY LEAF) is earthy and slightly floral. Thyme provides a good match in long-cooking dishes. | Thyme or oregano or a mix of both |
Download the aromatic herbs substitution table for free
Did you know? French call “bouquet garni” (French for “garnished bouquet”) a bundle of aromatic herbs tied together with string and cooked with other ingredients. There are as many recipes for bouquet garni as France regions, but most recipes include thyme, bay leaf and parsley, with sometimes celeri, rosemary or tarragon.
Enjoy your 100% local homegrown aromatic herbs, and visit our Recipes for inspiration.