Everything you Need to Grow Your Own Herbs
are a lot of differences and similarities between sage and lavender. Not just in the garden but also in our kitchens and how we use these two herbs. When looking at sage vs lavender it is key to look a little more closely at different cultivars and species in a bit more detail. There is also a lot of difference when it comes to nutritional content and health benefits from each of them.
Mint is closely related to basil and therefore basil makes a slightly more peppery and anise replacement. Dried mint works well to replace fresh, with a little bit of adjustment to ratios. Lemon balm is a nice citrus like version of mint and can be tasty in drinks or recipes.
When we replace oregano we can choose to use fresh or dried herbs. Best substitute is marjoram, followed by thyme, rosemary, sage and even dried basil. Often a mix is a good idea with mixed herbs or Italian Seasoning being great.
We tend to use basil as a garnish that is minty, zesty, peppery and with some intense clove like notes. Refreshing and intense in flavor a little goes a long way. Oregano is more often cooked with a dish to develop the flavor and it is earthy, herbaceous, woody and pungent with mint to citrus notes.
Both mint and lemon balm will grow easily in most gardens and tend towards invasive as they are perennials that will set out runners. From the Lamiaceae they vary in that mint has over 40 different varieties while there is only one Lemon Balm, easy to use in cooking as replacements for each other.
Both basil and bay leaves are essential to many Mediterranean dishes and can grow with a little care quite happily in the UK and colder climates.
