The absence of dried sage is easy to compensate for with a few other dried herbs, and there are few swaps that may work for the fresh herb as well. It’s also a denser flavor. (So don’t try to use a substitute for sage in a classic sage and apple Thanksgiving stuffing, for example). With a taste somewhere between sage and oregano, marjoram is the best, most sage-tasting alternative…if your recipe allows the spice to be added right before the end of the cooking process. As with all dried herbs, store any form of dried sage in a closed container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Marjoram or savory (dried). Rubbed sage has a light, velvety texture, whereas ground sage is more of a free-flowing powder. Substituting Dried Herbs for Fresh A general rule of thumb to convert fresh herbs to dry: Use one-third the amount of dried herb for the fresh herb called for in the recipe. Rubbed sage is prepared more gently, with the dried sage leaves crushed or rubbed into powder. Fresh, dried, or rubbed, the taste is superb. Therefore, you should always let your taste buds confirm how much dried sage you should use in your recipe. This herb is called for in recipes in both its fresh and dried form. However, the va… For more information, you can find more about me. You may actually have dried sage in your kitchen without even knowing it! However, as the flavor is more concentrated in the dried herb, you will need less of it. Rubbed sage is dried sage which has been roughly ground then put through a sieve to produce a soft "cotton like" texture. It’s strange, but although it’s one of the Big Four (in the world of folk songs, at least), sage is actually missing from many of our kitchens and gardens. Dried herbs are generally more concentrated in their flavor: As the plant material dries, the outer cell walls of the plant hold in the volatile oils. It’s very likely to be one of the spices in “poultry” seasoning as well. As much as I love to use fresh herbs in my cooking, it isn’t always going to happen. Some of the best substitutes include rosemary, savory, thyme and … dried sage substitute, If you’re substituting goat cheese, you simply won’t be able to find something with the same flavor and texture. Most recipes will work if you simply adjust the amounts of those herbs when it’s missing, or use one of the following replacements. 1 A recipe may specify one or the other—if not, remember that rubbed sage will have a lighter and more mellow flavor. Factors like differences in the size of sage leaves and the remaining shelf life of your packet of powdered sage can have a significant effect on the above formulas. The above tips helpful if you are in a situation where you don't have any fresh sage leaves at home but you have dried sage in a powdered or ground form. Use in any recipe that calls for ground or fresh sage. As with fresh marjoram, the dried herb Dried – Substitute Dried Rosemary For Fresh: Dried rosemary can be an excellent alternative for fresh rosemary in case the latter is not available in your kitchen. (That said, dried oregano is faster to lose flavor than other herbs if it’s been in your spice rack for a long time. Dried Sage. As a sage substitute, it’s a stronger flavor; use around a 4:3 ratio of sage to oregano. If you have dried sage but a recipe calls for fresh, replace 1 tablespoon of the fresh stuff with 1 teaspoon of dried. i don't use sage all that much, so i'd … Making substitutions and adjustments is all about experimenting and tasting frequently. Another fairly close relation, thyme has a milder flavor than sage, with a little more mint and citrus flavors. You can contact me here. Ten thin fresh sage leaves will be equal to 3/4 th teaspoon of dried sage spice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Honestly, it’s hard to find a herb that matches the earthy, peppery flavor of sage. 3. Alternately you can use rubbed (crumbled) sage or ground sage both of which are easy to find. It can be recognized by its pungent smell. If your recipe calls for whole leaves, keep in mind that it takes about seven of them to equal two teaspoons of rubbed or one teaspoon of powdered dried sage. It can be recognized by … It’s easy to find in its dried form, but it’s also easy to overlook when you’re shopping. Use twice as much rubbed sage when substituting it in a recipe that calls for ground sage. It doesn’t work well with long cooking times or simmering where it can go a bit bitter. For a sage butter sauce for pasta or gnocchi, for example, or for saltimbocca, I wouldn’t substitute dried sage; I’d just wait until I had access to fresh to make the dish. Substitute dried or powdered sage for fresh sage. You may find a perfect sage substitute, or perhaps a combination you like even better! All forms of common sage have different strengths, with rubbed sage being the least potent. If your recipe calls for whole leaves instead of teaspoons of chopped sage, you can use the ratio 7 fresh sage leaves equal about 1 teaspoon of ground, dried sage. If you have a spice mix containing sage, just use it at a 1:1 ratio. This is a cousin to sage, and they share some of the same flavors, but rosemary is more floral and more bitter. Your email address will not be published. Fresh rosemary is found in the form of leaves that are pure-green in the texture and are shaped like needles. It can be used as a sage substitute on 1:1 ratio, although it cooks more quickly and should be added a little later than sage if a recipe calls for a long simmer. Required fields are marked *. The only herb to appear on both lists, dried marjoram is the best replacement for dried sage. There are actually two forms you can find dried sage in: “ground” or “rubbed.” Ground sage is exactly what it sounds like. Sage usually comes in fresh, ground and rubbed, the latter being light and fluffy. Use about half as much rosemary as you would sage, and if a recipe calls for a few springs of sage to be simmered, taste for flavor a few times—you may want to remove the rosemary earlier than you would the sage. One part dried herbs is roughly equivalent to three parts fresh herbs. Dried basil has a subtler, earthier taste, so it can substitute for sage in a pinch. 4. A tablespoon of fresh sage provides the same flavor that a teaspoon of dried sage does. If your oregano is going a bit stale and bland, you may want to play around with that ratio). When cooking with herbs, you can use either dried or fresh once you know the correct fresh to dried herb conversions. The fun thing about herbs is that they’re never really an exact science. Dried herbs can still be potent when they are properly stored, but you still need to know the correct amount to use when substituting them for fresh herbs. However, as the flavor is more concentrated Check the label, and you may be in luck. Use it in equal amounts—for every teaspoon of dried sage, use a teaspoon of marjoram. Can you substitute dried sage for fresh sage leaves in recipes that call for the fresh herb? You can often find fresh sage in the grocery with the other fresh herbs in the produce section, but don’t be surprised if the only fresh herbs available are basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives. In addition to culinary uses, people once thought it had medicinal, or even holy, properties. It has been used for everything from warding off evil spirits to treating snakebites. Just keep in mind that ground herbs are always stronger than their fresh counterparts— which means you’ll always need less of the dried form than the fresh herb. 3. Sage – use one teaspoon of dried sage in place of two teaspoons of fresh sage. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Dried herbs are still good for quite some time but their flavor and Meanwhile, fresh herbs tasted “clean” and “bright.” Still, there were a few instances in which some dried herbs, though not preferred, were a passable substitute. Ground, dried sage — which you can find in the spice section of your local grocery store — is an excellent substitute for fresh sage in many dishes salads, casseroles and meat dishes. A native to the Mediterranean, sage is used in stuffings and pairs well with poultry. Sage is a nice garden herb but if you don't grow it you can purchase fresh sage in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores. Dried herbs will never provide the fresh burst of brightness that fresh herbs bring to cooking, but they can lend their signature flavors to all kinds of dishes. Dried sage is pungent and as such used sparingly. Your email address will not be published. If a recipe calls for two tablespoons of fresh sage, for example, then you could substitute one third that amount or two teaspoons of dried sage. Like those herbs, sage and marjoram can be used fresh or dried. Most healthy recipes you find in cookbooks and on the internet will require that you use some herbs, both for culinary and health reasons. This is where you need to get creative. For every tablespoon of fresh sage called for in your recipe, use a teaspoon of dried marjoram. Don’t despair! Like sage, it’s frequently used with fish and poultry. Marjoram. It has a strongly peppery and savory taste and doesn’t always harmonize with other fresh herbs. Alternative fresh rosemary substitutions If you don't have dried rosemary on hand or you simply prefer to use fresh ingredients, either oregano or basil will work as a substitute. In addition to oregano, dried rosemary, sage, and thyme fared The longer dried herbs sit on your shelf, the less potent they become. Fresh sage is a potent, stand-alone flavor. Rubbed sage can also replace fresh sage leaves. But how much less? What’s a good substitute for sage? Start with small amounts if you’re uncertain and add more bit by bit as you taste. Scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, sage is a member of the Salvia family, related to rosemary and chia. How Much Sage Needed as Marjoram Substitute? If you are in a situation where you have neither fresh nor dried sage, don't panic — there are plenty of culinary herbs that can be used as a substitute for fresh and dried sage in many recipes including meat dishes, salads and casseroles. Use the same amount of your substitute herb as the amount of rosemary your recipe requires. So, dried or fresh – the choice is yours. Remember that dried sage has a more concentrated flavor, so you should use a third of the fresh sage … If a recipe calls for fresh rosemary as a garnish, use very thinly sliced sage leaves to taste. Fresh and dried sage are great substitutes for each other as long as you are mindful of the differences in flavor strength. If it’s more of a supporting actor, though, there are a few alternatives. In case you don’t have garden sage in any form, there are a few other spice blends or herbs you can use instead. 9 herbs that can be used as a substitute for rosemary Why you may prefer to cook with fresh herbs, dried herbs are still a good substitute in a pinch. X Research source If you run out of fresh sage for the Thanksgiving turkey or another meat dish, you can always use the dried variety. While substituting, for 1 tablespoon of fresh sage, use ½ teaspoon ground sage or 1 teaspoon of dried sage. So, you’ve got plenty of parsley, rosemary, and thyme, but can these be used as a legitimate sage substitute? If you’re making a recipe where sage is the star, it’s best to wait until you can source the real, fresh stuff. Ground, dried sage — which you can find in the spice section of your local grocery store — is an excellent substitute for fresh sage in many dishes salads, casseroles and meat dishes. If your recipe calls for fresh or rubbed sage, you can substitute dried sage. The reverse isn’t actually true; it’s better to replace dried sage with another dried herb, rather than fresh sage. At most, you’ll be able to find something with a similar flavor. This is easier. Substitute For Sage in Recipes: Ultimate Replacements. Dried Marjoram The only herb to appear on both lists, dried marjoram is the best replacement for dried sage. In cooked dishes, substitute 1/2 the amount fresh or dried sage for the rosemary, and then adjust to taste. “Italian” spice blend is almost always going to contain sage. For seasoning pork, pork sausage, duck, or stuffing, dried is fine. Some of the best substitutes include rosemary, savory, thyme and marjoram. Some recipes that call for fresh herbs also specify the equivalent dry amounts, in which case substituting dried herbs for fresh becomes a piece of cake. Dried basil and fresh basil have very different flavors. These herbs of course won't give your dish the original sage flavor, but they will lend their own exciting flavors to your dish. Sage extract remains popular today as an essential oil for aromatherapy and holistic medicine. Ground sage is a good alternative to fresh sage as it can replicate the flavor although it is not to be stored for long because it can lose its strength eventually. Frequently found in the same recipes anyway, oregano has a similar peppery taste. As mentioned earlier, these conversion ratios are just rules of thumb. It should be noted that marjoram’s flavor does not hold up to long cooking as well as sage’s flavor does. This website is where I share unique recipes, tips and cooking inspiration that will allow your culinary skills flourish. Absolutely! Other times of the year, it may be hard to source. Fresh sage is usually easiest to find in groceries during the holidays, as it’s a very common ingredient in traditional stuffing and poultry dishes; it also pairs well with fish and sausage (it should always be cooked in some form—fresh raw sage is not a pleasant taste). Sage (dried or fresh) is a great overall substitute due to its similar pine-like flavor that rosemary also has. Dried sage is preferred over fresh by most cooks and comes in a whole leaf, rubbed, and ground form. Dried sage is mostly used as a companion to a few other herbs. It’s a small, shrubby plant, with soft, green/grey leaves, and surprisingly pretty flowers. Savory. Each recipe will usually specify whether you should use fresh herbs (measurements typically shown in spoons or sprigs) or dried herbs. Hi, I’m Laura and I love fashion, cooking, my kids, but lets not forget the flavors in life. The general rule of thumb is that one part of a dried herb has about the same strength as three times that amount of the fresh. or. Use fresh sage to achieve the best flavor akin to oregano Dried form of sage is not a good alternative to oregano While replacing oregano with sage, use it in the same quantity as required by your recipe. While there is no rule set in stone that says exactly how much powdered dried sage is equivalent to a spoonful of chopped fresh sage, there's a rule of thumb which can be used when substituting dried sage for fresh sage in recipes: 2 teaspoons fresh (minced) = 1 teaspoon dried. I’m a food enthusiast living in the United States, a wife and a mom to my two beautiful kids. a turkey recipe that i'm going to use calls for dried rubbed sage; can i substitute it with ground sage instead? a similar texture so decide what’s It’s partnered with basil and oregano in many simmered Italian sauces, and is a common feature in dry rubs, especially for poultry. The most flavorful and fragrant are fresh sage. Best Electric Soup Makers (aka Blenders That Cook), Indoor Herb Gardens with Artificial Grow Lights, Oven Roasting Times for 60 Common Vegetables, How to Convert Fresh Basil to Dried Basil, Substituting Garlic Powder for Fresh Garlic, Substituting Parsley Flakes for Fresh Parsley, Substituting Dried Dill for Fresh Dillweed, Ratio for Converting Fresh Oregano to Dried, Substituting Dried Powder for Fresh Turmeric. The following is a list of sage substitutes that you can use in cooking. I might have forgotten to pick some up at the grocery store, maybe the fresh herbs are too expensive and I need just a tiny amount, or maybe I’m cooking on the fly. Hi, I’m Laura and having studied an MSc in Nutrition, becoming a professional chef and appearing on major publications with my recipes I decided to create a website of my own. The best substitutes for fresh sage is dried sage, for it provides all the benefits of fresh sage, only in a lesser scale that fresh sage does. The good news is that if a recipe calls for sage and there’s none in your spice rack, fridge or garden, it’s pretty easy to find a substitute for sage that will work. Fresh VS Dried Herbs Dried herbs are about 3 times more potent than fresh herbs. If you are in a situation where you have neither fresh nor dried sage, don't panic — there are plenty of culinary herbs that can be used as a substitute for fresh and dried sage in many recipes including meat dishes, salads and casseroles. Dried basil has a subtler, earthier taste, so it can substitute for sage in a pinch. As usual, if swapping fresh for fresh or dried for dried, you can use a 1;1 ratio, but if using fresh savory for dried thyme, use twice the amount of savory, and if using dried savory for fresh thyme, use half the amount of savory. 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Then adjust to taste well with poultry forms of common sage have different strengths, the... 1 tablespoon of fresh sage flavor strength s hard to source 3 times potent. To culinary uses, people once thought it had medicinal, or rubbed powder. Over fresh by most cooks and comes in a classic sage and marjoram can used... Popular today as an essential oil for aromatherapy and holistic medicine or dried herbs the only herb to appear both! You should always let your taste buds confirm how much dried sage are great substitutes each., people once thought it had medicinal, or perhaps a combination you like even better with rubbed sage a. Sage plant remains popular today as an essential oil for aromatherapy and medicine... To overlook when you ’ re uncertain and add more bit by bit as are! Of dried like even better is going a bit stale and bland you! Cooking times or simmering where it can be used fresh or rubbed into.... 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