Sage is used in meat dishes.
It goes well with fatty dishes and its fresh aroma enhances the food.
Sage is not a rare herb, but it is not often used in home cooking. Therefore, it is hard to buy and many families may say, “I don’t have any at home! Many families do not have it in their homes.
In this article, I will introduce you to some of the recommended substitutes for sage that can be useful in times of trouble, so please take a look at them!
What Kind of Herb is a Sage?
Sage is a member of the Perilla family of herbs. It has a clean, mint, or hackberry-like aroma with a bitter or astringent taste.
It is sometimes called “common sage” or “garden sage”.
It is sometimes added to food to “remove the smell of meat”, taking advantage of its strong aroma.
Fresh sage can be added to dishes, or dried sage can be added. Dried sage has a stronger aroma and taste, so if you only want to use a small amount, dried sage is recommended.
Sage is also a member of the genus Salvia, which means cure in Latin.
It has a strong antibacterial effect and is believed to have a variety of benefits such as preventing mouth ulcers and colds and improving menstrual irregularities.
In Europe, there are even proverbs such as “No one dies in a house where sage grows” and “To live longer, eat sage in May.
Also, it has antioxidant effects on the skin and promotes digestion, so it is said to be a panacea for both health and beauty!
11 Alternatives to Sage
Substitute for Sage (1): Basil
Basil is an indispensable herb in Italian cuisine.
It is characterized by its bright green color and sweet aroma.
In addition to fresh herbs, dried basil is also easy to find and is a good substitute for sage.
It is also one of the most popular herbs these days, with many people growing it in their home gardens.
Basil is also used in tomato dishes and to remove odor from meat dishes, and is recommended to be used in the same way as sage.
It doesn’t have the clean aroma of sage, but it can be used to “flavor” or give a sweet taste unique to basil.
Substitute for Sage (2): Rosemary
Rosemary is used in herb roasting.
It is an herb that can be used in meat dishes to remove odors and give them a flavorful finish.
Like sage, it has a strong aroma and gives a refreshing flavor to dishes, so it can be substituted without any problem. It also improves digestion and is similar to sage in its benefits.
To use it, fresh rosemary can be added when cooking meat or fish, or to transfer its aroma to oil for cooking.
Dried rosemary can also be added to dishes, but it is best enjoyed as an herbal tea!
Substitute for Sage (3): Oregano
Oregano goes well with dishes using tomatoes and cheese.
This herb is native to Europe and is characterized by its strong aroma.
It is also a versatile herb that is used in roast-based dishes as well as dressings and sauces.
It is also effective in eliminating the smell of meat and could be used in place of sage.
It’s also supposed to improve digestion and cure colds and headaches, so you can expect some health benefits too!
Substitute for Sage (4): Thyme
Thyme is an herb in the shiso family, the same as sage.
This herb is used in cooking as well as in aromatherapy and has a relaxing effect.
It has antiseptic and bactericidal effects and can be used in place of sage to take away the smell of meat.
It can be used in all kinds of meat dishes, but it is especially good with poultry.
It doesn’t lose its aroma even when cooked for a long time, so it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the “herb flavor!
Substitute for Sage (5): Parsley
Parsley is a vegetable that plays a supporting role in cooking, but it is a very nutritious vegetable.
It is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins, and iron, and has beauty benefits, and helps keep skin and hair healthy.
Parsley has a clean bitter taste and can be used as a substitute for sage.
It’s available in fresh or dried form, depending on what you’re cooking!
Substitute for Sage (6): Shiso leaves
Shiso is one of the fragrant vegetables of summer.
It has a refreshing aroma that stimulates the appetite even in the hot summer.
It has a different flavor from sage, but can be substituted with a clean aroma.
To substitute dried sage, “line up the shiso leaves and dry them in the sun,” or “line them up on kitchen paper and heat them in the microwave!
Substitute for Sage (7): Dill
Dill is often used in fish dishes.
It improves the color of the dish and makes it look stylish at once.
Dill is characterized by its soft and thin leaves, which have a clean aroma and a hint of sweetness.
Although it does not have a strong aroma, you can try using dill instead of sage.
Dill is said to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and aid in digestion.
As a substitute for sage, why not try using dill for its “detoxifying” properties?
Sage Substitute (8): Laurier (Laurel)
Laurier (laurel) is used in stews and marinades.
It can also be used as a substitute for sage because it removes the smell of meat.
However, the dried type of bay leaves used for stews and other dishes are often used, but they are generally not eaten.
If you want to substitute them for aromatics or to remove odors, you can use bay leaves!
Sage Substitute (9): Nettle
Nettle is a herb that you may not have even heard of unless you are a fan of herbs.
Nettle is shaped like a large leaf and has a refreshing aroma similar to tea leaves, so it is often drunk as an herbal tea.
It too has a refreshing aroma and can be used as a substitute for sage.
Nettle is often used in herbal teas, but it can also be used with fish and meat dishes.
Nettle is often used in herbal teas, but it can also be used with fish and meat dishes and is a good substitute when you want to enjoy a “fresh flavor.
Substitute for Sage (10): Magic Salt
Magic Salt is a blend of various herbs.
Just sprinkle it on your food to add a herbal aroma.
In terms of adding herbal flavor, it can be used as a substitute for sage.
Since it also contains salt, please adjust the seasoning carefully.
Sausage Substitute (11): Sausage
The word “sage” in sausage comes from the herb “sage”.
It is said that the word “sausage” is a combination of the English word “a sow,” which means male pig, and the word “sage,” which is indispensable for intestinal products.
Not all commercially available sausages contain sage, but sausages with the herb may be a good substitute for the flavor.
Summary
- Sage is an herb of the Perillaceae family with a clean aroma and a bitter or astringent taste.
- It is a herb of the genus Salvia and means “cure” in Latin.
- It is expected to prevent mouth ulcers and colds, improve menstrual irregularities, beautify skin, and promote digestion.
- The following 11 are recommended as substitutes for sage.
- [basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, shiso, dill, bay leaf (laurel), nettle, magic salt, sausage]