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Have you ever been mixed up about something you thought was another thing?
YEAH!!!! That is how Herbes de Provence vs Italian seasoning messes with your head. A lot of people often confuse Herbes de Provence for Italian seasoning and vice-versa because they look alike and taste similar and can be used interchangeably.
But they are two different mixes!
The major difference is that Italian seasoning is an American recipe, while Herbes de Provence comes from Provence, a region in France.
So today, we are going to set the facts straight.
This is what we are going to do:
Herbes de Provence and Italian seasoning in a comparison table below, so you can get a telescopic view on just how different these blends are when put in the spotlight.
But before that, let’s play around with what they are, what they can be used for. And how you can make yours at home.
What Is Italian Seasoning?
Forget about the name “the Italian seasoning”; it is an American creation.
The mix is an aromatic all-purpose combination of dried herbs and spices like basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, and savory.
It is commonly used to upgrade many Mediterranean dishes from boring to flavorful.
You can use it for everything from pasta salad, spaghetti sauce, and other pasta to meatballs, seafood, garlic butter, fish, chicken, and add to products such as croutons, pank, bread crumbs, and so the list continues.
Additionally, Italian seasoning is sold as a condiment in spice jars. You can get a pot on the shelves in grocery stores or supermarkets.
But if your local store is out of stock, don’t worry. Just get the following ingredients and measurements below:
- Two tablespoons dried basil
- Two tablespoons dried cilantro
- 1-2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- Two tablespoons dried marjoram
- Two tablespoons dried savory
- Two tablespoons dried oregano
- 1-2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
If you would love to add 2 tsp dried Italian Parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, Or 1 tsp kosher salt, it is up to you because they are all optional.
The next step is to blend all of the mixes in a food processor for one minute or until desired consistency.
Then get a nice airtight container and pour the blend in it.
Tah-dah!
Suppose your mix has a savory taste with an earthy, piney flavor and traces of mint and sweetness, congratulations on your first DIY Italian seasoning creation.
Most people won’t even try.
And remember to store in a dark, cool place.
What Is Herbes De Provence?
Herbes de Provence is an aromatic mixture of dry herbs and spice, including thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, lavender flowers, and bay leaf.
The blend was originated from Provence, a region in France. And it is mostly used in French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Can’t find a herbes de Provence near you?
You can use your recently made Italian seasoning. If not, grab the following measurements and heed the instructions below.
- Two tablespoons dried rosemary
- Two tablespoons dried savory
- One tablespoon fennel seed
- Two tablespoons dried thyme
- Two tablespoons dried marjoram
- Two tablespoons dried basil
- Two tablespoons dried lavender flowers
- Two tablespoons dried Italian parsley
- One tablespoon dried tarragon
- One tablespoon dried oregano
- One teaspoon bay powder
First off, you need to grind the rosemary and fennel seed in a spice grinder.
Then transfer it to a mixing bowl before stirring the savory, marjoram, thyme, basil, lavender, oregano, parsley, tarragon, and bay powder together with the rosemary and fennel.
Pour and store in an airtight container.
Most people will prefer moving from store to store to purchase the premade herbes de Provence.
What they don’t know is making your own is not only easy but also allows you to tweak the blend to suit your taste or the specific dish you’re cooking.
And that’s the difference between you and them.
Herbes de Provence Vs Italian seasoning: Key Differences
Don’t expect to see such an engaging debate between the Herbes de Provence vs Italian seasoning.
Both of the mixes have a lot in common, but very few differences.
See for yourself:
| The Difference | Herbes de Provence | Italian seasoning |
| Taste | More dominant with an Aromatic, strong floral taste. | It has a savory, earthy, and (very subtly) sweet flavor. |
| Ingredients | Uses all the ingredients in Italian spice mixes, except basil. | Has all Herbes de Provence ingredients excluding lavender flowers. |
| Best used for | Mostly ideal for French and French-inspired dishes. Season grilled fish and meat, and vegetable stews. | From spaghetti sauce, all kinds of pasta, meatballs, fish, seafood, to garlic butter, chicken, to tomato-based American-Italian dishes. |
| Origin | Provence region of Southern France | Somewhere along the Mediterranean |
Is Italian Seasoning the Same as Herbes de Provence?
No, they aren’t. They are similar but not identical.
Herbes de Provence and Italian Seasoning are two different mixes from two different origins yet use similar dried herbs and spices like thyme, marjoram, and more.
Conclusion
You see, when it comes to the community of classic blends, there are always ample choices on the shelves in every grocery stores. And if you are looking to try something new, it could be overwhelming.
However, if you want Herbes de Provence, but the Italian seasoning is available, you can do a swap. Besides, they are made with the same ingredients — just some are omitted and included in the other mix.
But the best substitutes for each blend are the homemade version, which I’ve taught you. It will taste exactly as the ready version, if not better to take a plain dish from basic to wow.
