Italian seasoning

Italian seasoning is a blend of ground herbs that primarily includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram as its base. Many Italian seasoning blends may also include some of the following spices: garlic powder, parsley, crushed red pepper, sage, savory, or coriander. The blend varies by brand, with many publishing vague, nonspecific ingredient lists.

Despite the name, it is an American creation;^[1] pre-blended, dry herbs are not common in Italy. However, salamoia Bolognese consists of rosemary, sage, garlic, salt, and black pepper.^[2]

Flavor descriptions

This list represents a general mix for Italian seasoning.

Basil: Has a slightly spicy, fresh and sweet taste. It also offers an aromatic experience.^[3]
Oregano: Has an earthy, bitter flavor with a pungent smell.^[4]
Rosemary: Rosemary can taste bitter with woodsy, pine, and citrus notes. Rosemary also has a very green, earthy smell.^[5]
Garlic powder: Can be used as a substitute for garlic, with different, milder notes. It provides a savory flavor to the dish. ^[6]
Sage: Has earthy and citrus notes with a hint of spice.^[7]
Coriander: Despite coriander and cilantro coming from the same plant, they have very different flavor profiles. Coriander can be described as earthy, sweet, and light in flavor.^[8]
Thyme: Has minty, citrus, and earthy based flavors.^[9]
Marjoram: Has sweeter and delicate notes that are not overpowering.^[10]

^ Traverso Saibante, Carola (December 2019). "Mix di spezie famosi: quali sono e come usarli" (in Italian). Retrieved 5 March 2021.
^ "Salamoia bolognese". Bruno Barbieri (in Italian). 14 May 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
^ "Basil Uses, Pairings and Recipes". McCormick. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ "Oregano". McCormick Science Institute. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ Collins, Amanda (2021-12-31). "What Does Rosemary Taste Like? - A Full Description About It". Good Tasting Meals. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ Max, Chef (2020-06-30). "What is Garlic Powder?". Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ https://www.facebook.com/allrecipes. (n.d.). Everything You Need to Know About Sage. Allrecipes. Retrieved August 5, 2023, from https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-sage/
^ "Exploring the Flavor Profile of Coriander". Slofoodgroup. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ Anne (2022-10-19). "What Does Thyme Taste Like?". Simple And Savory. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
^ "Marjoram | Herb Plant Cooking Tips and Uses". North Shore Living®. Retrieved 2023-12-14.