fresh herbs

Fresh thyme with oregano, marjoram, rosemary, savory, Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, bay leaf, garlic, lemon zest, soup, and roasted vegetables

Thyme Replacement

May 11, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best thyme replacement depends on the dish. Oregano works in tomato sauces, marjoram is milder, and rosemary fits roasted meats and potatoes.

Fresh basil leaves on a towel with basil and oil cubes in an ice cube tray and a freezer bag

Can You Freeze Basil?

April 11, 2026June 13, 2026ting

You can freeze basil, but the leaves soften after thawing. Freeze dry whole leaves or basil and oil cubes, then use them in sauces, soups, pesto, and cooked dishes.

Fresh mint with basil, cilantro, parsley, and dried mint on a kitchen counter

Mint Substitute

April 11, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best mint substitute depends on the dish: basil for fresh sweetness, cilantro for bright savory recipes, parsley for mild greenery, or dried mint sparingly.

Fresh basil with oregano, mint, parsley, spinach, arugula, thyme, tarragon, green sauce, tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and olive oil

Basil Substitute

April 10, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best basil substitute depends on the recipe. Oregano works in cooked tomato sauces, while mint, parsley, arugula, or spinach work better in fresh dishes.

Fresh rosemary with thyme, sage, marjoram, oregano, and dried Italian herbs on a kitchen counter

Rosemary Substitute

February 7, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best rosemary substitute is thyme for most savory dishes. Sage, marjoram, oregano, Italian seasoning, and herbes de Provence can also work.

Fresh basil drying on a mesh rack with a hanging basil bundle and a jar of dried basil leaves

How to Dry Basil

January 25, 2026June 13, 2026ting

Dry basil by starting with clean, very dry leaves, then using air drying, a dehydrator, or the oven on low heat. Store crisp whole leaves in an airtight jar.

Fresh cilantro with parsley, Thai basil, dill, mint, lime halves, scallions, and a knife on a cutting board

Cilantro Substitute

November 20, 2025June 13, 2026ting

Flat leaf parsley plus lime is the easiest cilantro substitute for many recipes. Thai basil, dill, mint, scallions, and lime work better in specific dishes.

Fresh thyme drying on a towel, wire rack, parchment-lined tray, tied bundle, and a small jar of dried thyme leaves

How to Dry Thyme

November 11, 2025June 13, 2026ting

Dry thyme by rinsing only if needed, patting it very dry, then air drying bundles, using a dehydrator, or using a low oven. Store crisp leaves in an airtight jar.

Fresh green herbs and small seasoning bowls representing tarragon substitutes

Substitute for Tarragon

August 24, 2025June 15, 2026ting

The best tarragon substitute depends on the dish. Chervil, fennel fronds, basil, dill, parsley, thyme, and a tiny pinch of anise can all help.

Basil, parsley, arugula, spinach, mint, cilantro, garlic, lemon, cheese, nuts, olive oil, and green pesto for pesto substitutes

Basil Substitute for Pesto

July 19, 2025June 13, 2026tingLeave a Comment

The best basil substitute for pesto is usually a blend: use a mild green such as spinach for body, then add parsley, arugula, mint, cilantro, or kale for flavor.