Can You Use Spearmint Instead Of Mint?

Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors. Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite mint recipes.

Can you replace mint with spearmint?

But if you don’t have dried mint on hand, don’t make the mistake of thinking mint tea leaves could take its place. While the dried mint sold commercially is spearmint, the leaves used for tea are most often peppermint. The two species feature different flavor compounds, and we found that they’re not interchangeable.

What can I use instead of mint?

How to replace fresh mint

• Peppermint extract. Peppermint extract is a convenient way to add a minty flavor to food without having to do any chopping.
• Basil. If you need a fresh herb to substitute for mint, then your best option is basil.
• Parsley.
• Cilantro.
• Tarragon.
• Rosemary.

Can you use spearmint in mojitos?

Ice cubes keep the drink cold. Nonalcoholic versions omit the rum. Spearmint was the preferred mint for drinks in the early 20th century. Until early in the 21st century, mixologists looking for mint to flavor mojitos often used spearmint (Mentha spicata), which has a familiar, piquant mint flavor.

Is spearmint stronger than mint?

Because peppermint is a mix of two types of mint, it contains a higher content of menthol (40% as opposed to spearmint’s 0.5%).

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.

Can you use spearmint for tea?

Spearmint has a pleasantly sweet taste and is frequently used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and candy. One common way to enjoy this herb is brewed into a tea, which can be made from either fresh or dried leaves. Yet, this mint is not only tasty but may also be good for you.

Can you replace mint with Sage?

Note that mint doesn’t retain it’s flavor with high temperatures, so be sure to add it at the last stage of the cooking process. How to substitute: Substitute in equal amounts. One teaspoon of fresh sage = one teaspoon of fresh mint. One fresh sage leaf = one mint leaf.

Is mint and peppermint the same?

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.

Can sage be used instead of mint?

Since mint has a rather strong aroma and flavor, we’ve mostly included options that can replace this intensity and enrich your dish. Herbs from the mint family, including basil, marjoram, oregano, and sage are all extremely fragrant and aromatic – especially in fresh form.

What is the difference between spearmint and mint?

Peppermint contains 40% menthol while spearmint contains less than 1% menthol. This means peppermint is going to have a more intense “minty” flavor that spearmint. So if you grab a leaf of your garden mint and taste it, if it has a really strong minty aftertaste, you are dealing with peppermint.

Is spearmint the same as sweet mint?

Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. It gets its flavor from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than the aforementioned menthol and doesn’t evoke the same cooling sensation.

What type of mint is best for drinks?

Spearmint
Spearmint. The classic and most common variety used in cocktails is, of course, spearmint (Mentha spicata). It’s the standard for a reason—the light, bright sweetness both mellows and elevates a spirit, and can even temper overly-sugary recipes.

What do you use spearmint for?

Spearmint is an herb. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine. Spearmint is used for digestive disorders including gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal tract spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bile duct and gallbladder swelling (inflammation), and gallstones.

Can you eat spearmint leaves?

Are the leaves just for flavor or can you eat them? 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.

Is mint tea and spearmint tea the same?

Peppermint tea has a stronger, more peppery taste than spearmint, and its high menthol content means it has a sharp cooling sensation on your tongue. Spearmint tea offers a sweeter, lighter flavor, and makes a delicious iced tea.

Can I use parsley instead of mint?

The Gourmet Sleuth recommends substituting one tablespoon of chopped parsley when there is no mint in the house, or if you find yourself in a bind, try looking in the cabinet where you keep your tea. One teaspoon of herbal mint tea or a tea with mint essence can be used in place of fresh mint.

Is parsley the same as mint leaves?

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.

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.

Who should not drink spearmint tea?

Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts. Kidney disorders: Spearmint tea might increase kidney damage. Using large amounts of spearmint tea might make kidney disorders worse. Liver disease: Spearmint tea might increase liver damage.

Who shouldn’t drink spearmint tea?

1. Acid Reflux. While spearmint tea is excellent at helping ease digestive issues, those who suffer from GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease) may want to skip out on spearmint tea. This is because spearmint can have a relaxing effect on the esophagus which in turn can cause acid reflux to flow and lead to heartburn.