Basil vs. parsley is quite an unavoidable topic when it comes to the addition of herbs to a dish. Basil and parsley are well-known herbs renowned for adding distinct flavors and aromas to recipes.
Most of us might consider both herbs similar because of their identical appearance, but they are quite different. Here is a detailed article about basil vs. parsley to guide you through the difference between both herbs.
Basil and parsley are poles apart from each other regarding taste and uses. The taste of basil leaves resembles the combination of mint, anise, pepper, clove, and licorice. In contrast, parsley has a somewhat grassy, clean, and fresh taste with slight bitterness and pepper-like notes.
Basil works excellent for both sweet and savory dishes, whereas parsley is mostly used for savory dishes.
Let us know about the differences in detail, but before that, let’s go through the parade of points mentioned in the table for a basic idea.
Basil Vs. Parsley | Difference Table
| Basis Of Difference | Basil | Parsley |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Family | Basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family. | Parsley belongs to the Apiaceae plant family. |
| Types Of Plant | Annual or perennial. | Biennial or annual. |
| Origin | Basil has originated from Central Africa to southeast Asia. | Parsley originated from the Central and eastern Mediterranean. |
| Appearance Of Leaves | The leaves of basil have an oval to elliptical appearance with pointed ends or sometimes jagged edges. | The leaves of parsley are not as thick as basil’s leaves. They are much broader with pointed edges. |
| Color Of Leaves | The leaves of basil are available in bright green, purple, or wine-red colors. | The leaves of parsley are available in only green color. |
| Appearance Of Flowers | It has white or purple flowers. | Parsley has white flowers that are quite aromatic. |
| Stems’ Appearance | Basil has fibrous stems. | The stems of parsley are thin in appearance but are quite strong. |
| Taste | The taste of basil leaves resembles the combination of mint, anise, pepper, clove, and licorice. | Parsley has a somewhat grassy, clean, and fresh taste with slight bitterness and pepper-like notes. |
| Shelf Life | The basil leaves stay fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature whereas the dried herbs of basil can last for about 2-3 years. | The Parsley leaves stay fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator whereas the dried herbs of parsley can last for about 2-3 years. |
| Nutrition Value | Basil contains more magnesium and calcium content. | The leaves of parsley are much healthier than the basil as they are quite rich in fiber, sugar, fat, carbs, vitamins K, C, and iron. |
| Health Benefits | Basil helps in digestion, improves skin, stomach, and liver health, and prevents diabetes and depression. | Parsley helps in fighting and preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. |
| Uses | Basil works excellent for both sweet and savory dishes. | Parsley is mostly used for savory dishes. |
What Is Basil?
Basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family, and its leaves are annual or perennial. The basil leaves have an oval to elliptical appearance with pointed ends or sometimes jagged and smooth edges.
A basil plant can grow up to about 12 to 24 inches tall. The basil plant is quite bushy and has a lot of branches. Both of these herbs are quite flavorful in their individual taste. They both thus act as an apt choice to be added as a seasoning to the varieties of recipes.
The taste of basil leaves resembles the combination of mint, anise, pepper, clove, and licorice. If you want to add intense flavor and spicy aroma, then Greek basil is the right choice, whereas if you are looking for a clove-like taste rather than a sweet flavor, go for the mammoth basil.
The basil leaves stay fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature. Storing basil leaves in the refrigerator will turn them black; thus, storing them at room temperature is ideal. At the same time, dried basil herbs can last for about 2-3 years.
Basil is quite a staple when it comes to Italian and Southeast Asian recipes. Particularly the natives of Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are great admirers of this herb.
Well, let me tell you an amazing fact, basil is an ideal choice for tomatoes. It goes flawlessly well with tomatoes, which adds a scrumptious combination to soups, salads, stews, and sauces.
What Is Parsley?
Parsley belongs to the Apiaceae plant family, and its leaves are biennial or annual. The leaves of parsley are not as thick as basil’s leaves. They are much broader with pointed edges.
The leaves of French parsley, also known as curly parsley, are usually thin and have a curly appearance, whereas the leaves of Italian parsley are flat and have a broad appearance. French parsley can grow up to 12 to 18 inches tall, whereas Italian parsley can attain a height of about 24 to 36 inches.
Parsley has a somewhat grassy, clean, and fresh taste with slight bitterness and pepper-like notes. Parsley with flat leaves has much more intense and deep flavors than curly parsley.
The parsley leaves also stay fresh for 5-7 days, but you have to keep them in the refrigerator, whereas the dried herbs of parsley can last for about 2-3 years.
Once the parsley leaves are dried, they are ready to be stored in an airtight container. Make sure you keep them away from sunlight, air, and mixture. Keep the container filled with parsley leaves in the dark and cool region.
The leaves of this herb are widely used in savory recipes such as soups, fish, meat, sauces, and salads. The Italians are head over heels in love with parsley with salsa Verde.
Basil Vs. Parsley | What’s The Difference?
Let us know about basil and parsley in detail.
1. Origin
Basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family. Basil leaves are annual or perennial. On the other hand, parsley belongs to the Apiaceae plant family. Parsley leaves are biennial or annual.
2. Appearance
The basil leaves have an oval to elliptical appearance with pointed ends or sometimes jagged and smooth edges. A basil plant can grow up to about 12 to 24 inches tall. The basil plant is quite bushy and has a lot of branches.
On the other hand, the parsley leaves are not as thick as basil leaves. They are much broader with pointed edges. The leaves of French parsley, also known as curly parsley, are usually thin and have a curly appearance, whereas the leaves of Italian parsley are flat and have a broad appearance.
French parsley can grow up to 12 to 18 inches tall, whereas Italian parsley can attain a height of about 24 to 36 inches.
3. Color
The basil leaves are generally available in bright green, purple, or wine-red colors. The basil plant has white or purple flowers. It also has fibrous stems. Unlike basil, the leaves of parsley are available in only green color.
Parsley has white flowers that are quite aromatic. The stems of parsley are thin in appearance but are quite strong.
4. Taste
Both of these herbs are quite flavorful when it comes to their individual taste. They both thus act as an apt choice to be added as a seasoning to the varieties of recipes.
The taste of basil leaves resembles the combination of mint, anise, pepper, clove, and licorice. If you want to add intense flavor and spicy aroma, then Greek basil is the right choice, whereas if you are looking for a clove-like taste rather than a sweet flavor, go for the mammoth basil.
On the other hand, parsley has a somewhat grassy, clean, and fresh taste with slight bitterness and pepper-like notes. Parsley with flat leaves has much more intense and deep flavors than curly parsley.
5. Shelf Life
The basil leaves stay fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature. Storing basil leaves in the refrigerator will turn them black; thus, storing them at room temperature is ideal. At the same time, dried basil herbs can last for about 2-3 years.
The parsley leaves also stay fresh for 5-7 days, but you have to keep them in the refrigerator, whereas the dried herbs of parsley can last for about 2-3 years.
Once the parsley leaves are dried, they are ready to be stored in an airtight container. Make sure you keep them away from sunlight, air, and mixture. Keep the container filled with parsley leaves in the dark and cool region.
6. Nutritional Value
When it comes to nutritional benefits, the leaves of parsley surpass the basil. The parsley is much richer in nutritional content than the basil.
Basil contains more magnesium and calcium content. The leaves of parsley are much healthier than the basil as they are quite rich in fiber, sugar, fat, carbs, vitamins K, C, and iron.
7. Health Benefits
Basil helps in digestion, improves skin, stomach, and liver health, and prevents diabetes and depression. Parsley helps in fighting and preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Parsley is also considered an excellent option for bones and eyes.
8. Uses
Both herbs have individual qualities that make them a great addition to the distinct dishes. Basil is quite a staple when it comes to Italian and Southeast Asian recipes.
Particularly the natives of Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are great admirers of this herb. Well, let me tell you an amazing fact, basil is an ideal choice for tomatoes. It goes flawlessly well with tomatoes, which adds a scrumptious combination to soups, salads, stews, and sauces.
As basil is richly fragrant, it serves well with savory as well as sweet dishes. It tastes well with any vegetable-based recipe too.
Moreover, to give an extra touch of seasoning to your fish and chicken dishes, add basil leaves to enhance flavors. Holy basil is also an ideal option for brewing tea.
On the contrary, curly-leaf parsley is favored by the natives of central, eastern, and southern Europe and western Asia.
The leaves of this herb are widely used in savory recipes such as soups, fish, meat, sauces, and salads. The Italians are head over heels in love with parsley with salsa verde.
Basil Vs. Parsley | Which One Is More Versatile?
In my opinion, basil is quite more versatile in nature than parsley. As I have already mentioned, basil is a staple when it comes to Italian and Southeast Asian recipes. Particularly the natives of Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are great admirers of this herb.
Well, let me tell you an amazing fact, basil is an ideal choice for tomatoes. It goes flawlessly well with tomatoes, which adds a scrumptious combination to soups, salads, stews, and sauces.
As basil is richly fragrant, it serves well with savory as well as sweet dishes. It tastes well with any kind of vegetable-based recipe too. Moreover, to give an extra touch of seasoning to your fish and chicken dishes, add basil leaves to enhance flavors.
Holy basil is also an ideal option for brewing tea. On the contrary, curly-leaf parsley is favored by the natives of central, eastern, and southern Europe and western Asia.
The leaves of this herb are widely used in savory recipes such as soups, fish, meat, sauces, and salads. The Italians are head over heels in love with parsley with salsa verde.
Moreover, there are better options than parsley to be added to sweet dishes. Basil is an excellent option to be added to sweet dishes. You can add the flavors of basil to ice cream, chocolates, and lemon drinks.
Basil Vs. Parsley | Which One Is Healthier?
When it comes to nutritional benefits, the leaves of parsley surpass the basil. The parsley is much richer in nutritional content than the basil. Basil contains more magnesium and calcium content.
The leaves of parsley are much healthier than the basil as they are quite rich in fiber, sugar, fat, carbs, vitamins K, C, and iron. Basil helps in digestion, improves skin, stomach, and liver health, and prevents diabetes and depression.
Parsley helps in fighting and preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Parsley is also considered an excellent option for bones and eyes.
Top Recipes To Make With Basil
Let us know about the top five recipes for basil.
1. Cherry Tomato Pasta
To prepare this delicious recipe, you only need pasta, parmesan cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil, and spices. Cherry tomato pasta dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just 20 minutes.
Start with the blistered tomatoes, mix them with the balsamic vinegar, then add pasta and peppery fresh basil. This recipe will amaze you as it is filled with different flavors.
2. Best Basil Pesto
Enjoy this summer with this aromatic basil pesto. This is enriched with flavors and tastes. Basil pesto is super delicious. Try this easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared in just 5 minutes.
Add roasted nuts, cheese, garlic, basil, lemon, and salt in a food processor. Blend all the ingredients for about 10 seconds and add olive oil gradually. Moreover, you can store this basil pesto for about a week.
3. Everything Basil Pizza
Are you one of those who are obsessed with basil? Then you must try this recipe for basil pizza. This recipe is the best to enjoy the fresh flavors and taste of this fresh green herb.
Add garlic-enriched thick basil pesto over the pizza dough and use mozzarella and basil leaves as toppings. This will be the tastiest basil pizza you have ever enjoyed and munched on. This can be prepared in one hour and 5 minutes.
4. Tomato Basil Soup
Another gem that must be added to this list is tomato basil soup. Tomato basil soup recipe is the classic basil recipe with tangy flavors of tomatoes. Moreover, you can prepare this recipe with ease. Just chop a few veggies of your own choice, simmer the basil and then blend all the ingredients.
This soup is perfect for enjoying the cozy vibe of the winter season. You can accompany this soup with crusty bread. Moreover, this soup is gluten-free and dairy free. It is perfect for vegans.
5. Pesto Salmon
Baked fish goes perfectly well with the bright green basil pesto. This pesto salmon is the perfect addition to your dinner table. It is so easy to make and acts as an impressive dish to be served before guests. It can be prepared in just 30 minutes. The layering of savory, garlicky sauce made from fresh basil leaves makes the flaky fish pop.
Top Recipes To Make With Parsley
Let us know about the top five recipes for parsley.
1. Chimichurri Sauce
This Argentine sauce is simple to make and can be prepared in 15 minutes. This chimichurri sauce is an ideal option to add garlicky and bright flavors to grilled meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
The addition of this sauce made from fresh parsley is great for taking grilled salmon to new heights. You can enjoy this sauce with steak, fish, vegetables, and more.
2. Quinoa Tabbouleh
Are you a fan of tabbouleh? Then you must try this quinoa tabbouleh made from fresh parsley. This belongs to the Middle East and is one of the best salads to munch on. This recipe includes a combination of herbaceous parsley, lemon, cucumber, and crunchy tomatoes. You can prepare this in just 25-30 minutes.
3. Potato Salad With Parsley
This is another addition to this list of the top recipes to make with parsley. Potato salad with parsley is an extremely delicious treat to serve your guests. Make this salad with vinegar and olive oil dressing. This recipe has salty, tangy, and moist, mixed with just the right amount of salty capers and fresh verbs of parsley.
4. Carrot And Parsley Salad
Here is another tasty yet simple recipe of parsley to be served and enjoyed. This recipe is a perfect salad to enjoy. Sere this carrot and parsley salad to your friends and family. This recipe is simple and refreshing and has strings of carrots with minced parsley and tangy Mediterranean-style vinaigrette.
5. Baked Shrimp With Feta
This recipe of baked shrimp with feta is a scrumptious dinner recipe using parsley which adds different flavors and aromas to this recipe.
The combination of the Mediterranean flavors of feta, garlic, and fresh parsley is just the best treat to enjoy.
Basil Vs. Parsley | Which One Is Better?
Even though the fight is very close, basil is the winner. Basil can be used in different dishes. As basil is richly fragrant, it serves well with savory as well as sweet dishes. It tastes well with any kind of vegetable-based recipe too.
Moreover, to give an extra touch of seasoning to your fish and chicken dishes, add basil leaves to enhance flavors. Holy basil is also an ideal option for brewing tea.
Can We Substitute Basil with Parsley?
The short and simple answer to this question is yes. You can substitute basil with parsley and vice versa. You can replace basil with parsley, especially in savory dishes.
Although they both have different tastes and flavors, the dish won’t taste the same. Basil lacks the earthy and grassy flavors that are present in parsley.
Also, basil is rich in bright flavors that are quite noticeable in some recipes. By the same token, parsley is too mild in taste and flavor to substitute basil completely. Moreover, you can use parsley in sweet dishes.
In my opinion, you can use them interchangeably when it comes to savory dishes; also, in those dishes where the taste of basil and parsley do not much affect the dish and do not have a stand-out taste and aroma. But for other dishes, look for another similar option.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
What are the uses of basil?
You can use basil in savory as well as sweet dishes. It also has various health benefits, such as it helps in digestion, improving skin, stomach, and liver health, and preventing diabetes and depression.
Can we use basil and parsley together?
Definitely yes, you can easily use basil and parsley together. Basil works wonders with parsley.
Which one is healthier, basil or parsley?
When it comes to nutritional benefits, the leaves of parsley surpass the basil. The parsley is much richer in nutritional content than the basil. Basil contains more magnesium and calcium content.
Are basil and parsley the same plant?
No, basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family. Basil leaves are annual or perennial. On the other hand, parsley belongs to the Apiaceae plant family. Parsley leaves are biennial or annual.
Can basil and parsley be used with pasta?
Yes, both herbs are ideal to be fused with pasta. You can use either basil or parsley to garnish the pasta
Conclusion
I hope all your doubts about the basil and parsley are cleared now. If I still need to include something, let me know in the comments. All kinds of opinions are welcomed.
I’ll see you another time. Until then, you keep discovering new things to read on our website. Thanks for reading, and take care!
