Mint is widely used for adding scent and flavorings to numerous dishes and drinks.
The dried or fresh leaves are used, and their oil is also extracted for an array of uses.
Mint is widely available in Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines.
What are the best substitutes for mint? Well, marjoram, parsley, peppermint extract, cilantro, and basil are great choices.
What Is Mint?
Mint consists of a commonly grown aromatic herb that comes from the Mentha Plant.
The plant grows well near water bodies such as ponds, rivers, and lakes or in moist areas that receive partial shade.
However, their versatile nature allows them to grow anywhere, even in sunny places.
The harvesting of the young leaves takes place from spring till fall; however, mint can still be grown indoors, making them available throughout the year.
Some popular types of mint include peppermint, apple mint, native spearmint, corn mint, and scotch spearmint.
Mint is also heavily used in antiseptic mouth rinses, candies, toothpaste, breath fresheners, chewing gum, mint chocolate, and desserts.
5 Best Substitutes for Mint
We would suggest the following mint alternatives:
1 – Peppermint Extract
The peppermint extract is by far your safest bet when it comes to substituting your mint.
Many people use this ingredient to flavor their candies and frosting.
Peppermint extract can come in pure, artificial, or natural forms.
It is possible to use this spearmint and watermint cross hybrid for your main dishes, too, and not just the sweet ones.
Peppermint does possess a minty taste, but it is spicier compared to mint.
You can use this extract in multiple recipes relating to meals such as baked goods, mint ice cream, beverages, puddings, and much more.
Substitute Ratio – Here, you can use four drops for every tsp of mint leaves (chopped).
2 – Marjoram
Were you planning to cook something delicious with mint but you suddenly realized that you didn’t have any? Don’t worry because you can always use marjoram instead.
Marjoram possesses a pine-like and citrusy flavor that is sharp and warm.
You can use its leaves to garnish your marinades, salads, egg dishes, pasta, and soups.
Marjoram is widely known for its delicate flavoring and menthol qualities.
It is homegrown, but you can also find this ingredient in stores.
Its strong flavor may make it a little more potent compared to mint.
So, many folks choose to use it in minimal amounts.
Substitute Ratio – Here, you can add about ½ the amount for the mint needed in the recipe.
3 – Basil
Basil is one of the popular substitutes for both its refreshing taste and availability.
This fresh herb will do its due diligence in giving your food that freshness which mint offers.
But you do have to realize that it won’t have the same intensity as mint.
You can expect it to bring that peppery flavor and sweetness to your dishes.
If you make something where the mint highly dominates the dish, then basil probably won’t do justice.
However, that doesn’t mean that your dish will be out of place.
It will just be a little different.
Substitute Ratio – If the recipe requires you to add 1tsp of mint, you can use about 2tsp of basil.
4 – Cilantro
Cilantro is another flexible substitute for mint, and you can use it in a variety of dishes.
This herb does have a citrusy and fresh flavor, but you should minimize its use if you are cooking for picky eaters in the family.
Why? Well, because many folks don’t like the way it smells. Here, cilantro is found in both fresh, powder, and dry form.
We would recommend the fresh one since it is tastier. Cilantro lowers your blood sugar, protects your brain, heart, and skin.
Substitute Ratio – We would advise you to use ½ the amount for the mint required as per the recipe.
5 – Parsley
If you enjoy adding mint in their soups, then parsley is your perfect substitute here.
You can also use this ingredient for garnishing many other dishes.
This herb can be found at the supermarket or even in your kitchen garden.
Parsley possesses a rich, bright scent, and the flavor is always delicious.
It does a great job of enhancing every dish. Since it possesses a milder flavor than mint, we suggest you insert more as required.
Substitute Ratio – 1tsp of chopped parsley will work for 1tsp of mint leaves (chopped).
However, if the taste isn’t up to par, add more to meet the desired results.
Conclusion
There are over 20+ mint plant species in the world.
Many people even use mint in their meals to reduce sugar and sodium intake.
Mint can help soothe symptoms of the common cold and treat allergies and gastrointestinal issues in the body.
Mint is also super-rich in nutrients and also helps in improving your bowel syndrome.
You won’t have any trouble adding this ingredient to your diet.
But you can always use the substitutes too to garner a similar but unique result.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Mint
Ingredients
- Peppermint Extract
- Marjoram
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
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