What can I use instead of Vietnamese mint?

Vietnamese coriander
I have a soup recipe that calls for Vietnamese mint and I cannot get it anywhere. I have used tarragon as a substitute, but would really like to have the correct ingredients. You can get Vietnamese mint – Persicaria odorata, aka Vietnamese coriander – in Asian supermarkets, should you have one to hand.

What can you do with Vietnamese mint?

Other traditional uses of Vietnamese mint include treatments to: reduce fever, reduce swellings as an anti-inflammatory for wounds, to improve acne, reduce nausea, aid digestion and stomach complaints, to improve hair and skin condition, use as a diuretic and as an overall health tonic.

Is Vietnamese mint the same as normal mint?

Vietnamese Mint is also known as Vietnamese Coriander or Hot Mint but is actually not related to the Mint family at all! Its name is due to its general appearance and fragrance, which are reminiscent of mint. In Southeast Asian cooking, Vietnamese mint is often used interchangeably with mint and coriander.

What does Vietnamese mint taste like?

The taste is a mix of citrus and mint with a bit of spice which is why it is often called “Vietnamese mint” or”hot mint”.

Is Vietnamese mint the same as Thai basil?

Thai Basil (also called Asian basil): has purple stems and purple buds. Think of Thai basil as a spicier and less sweet version than the Italian cousin. Vietnamese Balm (also known as Vietnamese mint): this saw-edged, slightly fuzzy herb tastes of lemon and mint.

What kind of mint is used in Vietnamese cooking?

Húng Lủi (Spearmint) This is the kind of mint people use in their drinks or to give flavor to lamb-based dishes. The appearance is also slightly different with spearmint having darker, rounder leaves. In Vietnamese cuisine, they are used for the same purpose as the peppermint.

Can I dry Vietnamese mint?

To dry the mint, tie a few stalks with string and leave hanging upside down in a well-ventilated place. As it dries, you need to avoid it becoming moist or damp as harmful mould can form. Either store as dried branches, much as you would bayleaves, or take the leaves off and keep in an airtight container in the pantry.

Is Vietnamese mint the same as Vietnamese coriander?

Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata) is a member of the knotweed family and is also known as Vietnamese mint or Rau Ram. It’s a tender perennial and thrives from late spring to early autumn.

Is Vietnamese mint edible?

How to eat it: It has a peppery minty taste, commonly found in Asian style cooking. Commonly eaten fresh in salads, soups and stews or cooked into duck, chicken, rice and vegetable dishes. Great as a garnish.

What mint is put in pho?

What type of mint is used with Vietnamese pho? Spearmint is generally used with Vietnamese pho over Italian peppermints.

Is Vietnamese mint good for you?

Overview. Vietnamese coriander is an herb. The leaves are used for medicine. People use Vietnamese coriander for diabetes, stomach pain, constipation, dandruff, gas (flatulence), and to reduce sexual desire, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How do you cut Vietnamese mint?

Using a pair of garden shears, cut back any stems or leaves that are growing outside of the area you’ve set for the plant.

  1. Prune your Vietnamese mint at least once or twice monthly, or whenever you notice its long stems growing out of control.
  2. Pruning Vietnamese mint also keeps it bushy and growing vigorously.