Quick Answer
Herbs de province and Italian seasoning are both herb blends that are commonly used in cooking. The main differences are:
– Herbs de province contains rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, marjoram, tarragon, chervil, bay leaves, and savory. Italian seasoning contains basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme as the core ingredients.
– Herbs de province has a French flair while Italian seasoning has an Italian flair.
– Herbs de province is a fines herbes blend that is fresh and floral. Italian seasoning is robust and earthy.
Herbs de Province Ingredients
Herbs de province, also known as fines herbes, is a classic French herb blend that contains the following ingredients:
– Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, pine-like flavor that pairs well with meat, fish, and vegetables. It has a warming effect.
– Thyme: Thyme has a woodsy, mildly spicy flavor. It goes well with eggs, vegetables, meats and stews.
– Basil: Basil has a sweet, peppery flavor. It’s commonly used in Italian cooking and pairs well with tomatoes.
– Parsley: Parsley has a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It’s used as a garnish and pairs well with many dishes.
– Marjoram: Marjoram is similar to oregano but more delicate and sweet. It complements vegetables, eggs, rice, and stuffings.
– Tarragon: Tarragon has an anise-like, licorice flavor. It’s commonly used in French cuisine and pairs well with poultry and seafood.
– Chervil: Chervil has a faint anise flavor. It’s delicate and commonly used in fine French cooking.
– Bay leaves: Bay leaves have an earthy, slightly minty flavor. They are commonly used in soups and stews.
– Savory: Savory has a peppery flavor similar to thyme. It enhances the flavor of beans, meats, and vegetables.
Italian Seasoning Ingredients
Italian seasoning originated in Italy and always contains the following core ingredients:
– Basil: Sweet basil is the star player in Italian seasoning. It has a sweet, peppery flavor that defines Italian cuisine.
– Oregano: Oregano has a robust, earthy, mildly bitter flavor. It’s a defining herb of Italian cooking.
– Rosemary: Rosemary adds a pine-like fragrance and pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and grilled meats.
– Thyme: Thyme has woodsy notes that enhance the savoriness of Italian dishes.
Other herbs like marjoram, sage, and savory are often added to Italian seasoning blends to round out the flavor. The ingredients in Italian seasoning can vary but the central flavor profile stays true to Italy.
Flavor Profiles
Herbs de province and Italian seasoning have different flavor profiles:
Herbs de Province
– Fresh and floral aromatic flavors
– Licorice notes from tarragon
– Light and bright taste
– Pairs well with delicate ingredients like fish, chicken, and vegetables
– Commonly used in French cuisine
Italian Seasoning
– Warm and earthy flavors
– Robust oregano and basil shine through
– Pairs well with tomato sauce, pizza, grilled meats
– A savory and bold taste
– Distinctly Italian flair
While herbs de province contains more herb varieties, the quantity of each individual herb is less compared to the liberal amounts of oregano and basil in Italian seasoning. This gives Italian seasoning a more assertive, signature flavor.
How to Use Them
Here are some tips for using herbs de province vs Italian seasoning:
Herbs de Province
– Sprinkle on fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables before cooking
– Add to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces
– Use to season a vinaigrette for roasted vegetables
– Add fresh fines herbes at the end of cooking for maximum flavor
– Mix with butter or olive oil as a finishing drizzle
– Add to omelets, scrambled eggs, and egg dishes
Italian Seasoning
– Sprinkle on pizza, pasta, and tomato sauce
– Add to soups, stews, and braises for an Italian flair
– Season chicken Parmesan, eggplant Parmesan, and Italian roasted vegetables
– Mix into meatballs, meatloaf, and sausage for Italian-inspired dishes
– Add to olive oil for dipping Italian bread
– Rub on proteins before grilling for an instant flavor boost
– Sprinkle over onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini for grilling
How to Make Your Own Blends
Making your own herb blends allows you to customize the flavors. Here are recipes to make your own:
Herbes de Province
| Herb | Amount |
|---|---|
| Parsley | 1 cup fresh leaves |
| Chervil | 1 cup fresh leaves |
| Tarragon | 1 cup fresh leaves |
| Chives | 1/2 cup fresh chopped |
| Thyme | 2 tbsp fresh leaves |
| Rosemary | 2 tbsp fresh leaves |
| Bay leaf | 2 dried leaves crumbled |
Combine all ingredients together, allow to dry, and store in an airtight container.
Italian Seasoning
| Herb | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried oregano | 2 tbsp |
| Dried basil | 3 tbsp |
| Dried rosemary | 1 tbsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tbsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tbsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Adjust amounts to taste preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the main differences between herbs de province and Italian seasoning are:
– Origin and flavor profile: Herbs de province has a French flair while Italian seasoning tastes authentically Italian.
– Ingredients: Herbs de province contains tarragon, chervil, parsley while Italian seasoning relies on basil, oregano, thyme.
– Taste: Herbs de province is light, delicate, floral while Italian seasoning is bold, earthy, and robust.
– Uses: Herbs de province suits delicate ingredients like vegetables and fish while Italian seasoning is perfect for tomato sauce, pizza, pasta.
Both herb blends add incredible flavor to cuisine. Herbs de province shines in French cooking while Italian seasoning gives that quintessential Italian taste. Home cooks can blend their own versions to customize the flavor profiles. Understanding the difference between these herb blends helps select the right one for each dish.