The herbal blend showdown between Herbs de Provence and Italian Seasoning is in the spotlight!
Both of these renowned blends enhance meals with their aromatic and flavorsome combinations.
Certainly, their appearances may look similar. Yet, are herbs de Provence the same as Italian seasoning?
What key elements define their flavor profiles and best culinary uses?
Keep reading to discover the differences as we decode the ingredients that put each in their spotlight.
Herbs de Provence vs. Italian Seasoning
Herbs de Provence takes our palates on a journey to the Provence region in Southern France. In contrast, Italian seasoning entices our tastebuds with distinct Mediterranean flavors.
Let’s explore these two delicious European blends that have crept into homes worldwide.
What’s Herbs de Provence?
Typically, herbs de Provence consists of dried herbs, such as thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, oregano, marjoram, and sometimes lavender flowers.
The US market favors the above combination with lavender flowers. Therefore, producers meticulously blend all the mentioned ingredients to serve the demand.
That said, Herb de Provence is not limited to the above combination. Other herbs, such as dill, fennel seeds, parsley, chervil, and bay leaves, may be used to make blends that serve other culinary requirements.
Clearly, Herbs de Provence is a highly versatile herb combo. It complements anything from grilled seafood and meat to roast vegetables, soups, stews, and dressings.
What’s Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning is a combination of frequently used Mediterranean herbs. Out of the two, it is the one most likely to be in US kitchen pantries.
Ordinarily, it is a blend of dried basil, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and thyme. In some cases, cilantro, sage, and red pepper flakes add excitement to the mix. Unlike herbs de Provence, there are no lavender flowers in Italian seasoning.
As the name suggests, it is the perfect seasoning when you fancy an Italian feast or want to add a Mediterranean flair to an array of meals.
This spice matches Herbs de Provence with its versatility. Use it for pizza, pasta sauces, salad dressings, and dips.
Moreover, season meat and seafood or take your soups and stews up a Mediterranean notch.
Which Blend Takes the Spotlight: A Comparative Analysis
Let the show begin!
Now that we understand the differences between the two. Here is a table displaying a thorough comparison:
| Herbs de Provence | Italian Seasoning |
|---|---|
| Origin: Provence region in Southern France | Origin: a bit shady, it’s a fair split where some say it is an American adaption, and others say it hails from Mediterranean cuisine |
| Flavor profile: Slightly sweet and earthy, with pungent and warm undertones. If it contains lavender flowers, the flavor boasts bright floral notes | Flavor profile: Slightly sweet and earthy, with pepper and pine undertones alongside a slight pungent bite |
| Texture: dried mixed herbs | Texture: dried mixed herbs |
| Color: natural sandy green | Color: natural sandy green. If it contains red pepper flakes, it has a reddish hue |
| Main ingredients: Basil Marjoram Oregano Rosemary Savory Tarragon Thyme | Main ingredients: Basil Marjoram Oregano Rosemary Thyme Sage |
| Other ingredients: Lavender flowers Bay leaves Chervil Dill Fennel leaves Fennel seeds ParsleySage | Other ingredients: Black pepper Chili flakes Cilantro Garlic powder Onion powder Parsley Salt Savory |
| Best uses: Stews and soups Meat rubs Salad dressings and dips Sauces and vinaigrettes PastaGrains – rice, couscous and quinoa Roast vegetables Grilled seafood | Best uses: PizzaPasta Sauces/Pasta sprinkle Salad dressings and dips Vinaigrettes Season meat and seafood Mix into burgers, meatballs, and sausages Stews and soups Grains – savory rice |
| Shelf life: 2 – 3 years with correct storage | Shelf life: 2 – 3 years with correct storage |
| Safe storage: in an airtight glass (preferred) or plastic container in a cool, dark, and dry place | Safe storage: in an airtight glass (preferred) or plastic container in a cool, dark, and dry place |
Ok, we know what you are thinking. How do you know which blend to choose?
Let us show you.
Appreciating the Nuances of Flavors
Remember, herb blends that offer such versatility award you an excellent opportunity to experiment and play with your ingredients.
Your recipe may call for thyme and rosemary or basil and sage. Why not try one of these blends? The results may surprise you and have you returning for seconds.
Don’t worry; not much can go wrong with the flavor when you use either of these fantastic herb blends.
The primary factor to consider is the lavender flower present in Herb de Provence. Lavender has a unique and distinct flavor. It’s a combination of mint and rosemary making it a little musky.
Palates either find it pleasing or displeasing.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
Takeaways: Where to Shine the Spotlight
So, is Herbs de Provence the same as Italian seasoning? Both blends bring aromatic and tasty eating experiences to several dishes.
The overlapping of certain herbs gives each a familiar base, and the other added herbs and spices give them their signature flavor.
It all comes down to the combination, the ingredients you pair them with, and personal preference.
We feel it is fair to say that both Herbs de Provence and Italian seasoning can shine under the same spotlight.
Undoubtedly, our meals will lack flavor without these two inspirational European herb blends.
Which blend resides in your kitchen pantry regularly? Let us know.
We would love to hear from you.
