The aromatic appeal of herbs like basil and mint makes them staples in kitchens worldwide. These two plants share a common presence in culinary applications, which often leads to the question of whether they are related. Their distinct yet powerful scents, noticeable when the leaves are bruised, hint at a connection. Understanding the relationship between sweet basil, a favorite in Italian cuisine, and common mint requires a look into their botanical origins.
The Botanical Classification: Yes, Basil Belongs to the Mint Family
The answer to whether basil is a mint is yes, in the context of plant family classification. Both basil (Ocimum) and true mint (Mentha) are members of the same large botanical group, the Lamiaceae family. This family is widely known for its fragrant members and is commonly referred to as the mint family.
While basil and mint share the same botanical family, they belong to entirely different genera, making them distant relatives. Basil is classified under the genus Ocimum, while peppermint and spearmint fall under the genus Mentha. Other familiar herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, and lavender are also included in this widespread family, demonstrating its diversity.
Shared Physical Traits That Create Confusion
The primary reason basil and mint are often mistakenly grouped together is due to physical characteristics common across their shared family. One of the most telling signs of a Lamiaceae member is the architecture of its stem, which is square in cross-section.
Another shared trait is the arrangement of their leaves, which grow oppositely on the stem, with each pair positioned at a right angle to the pair above and below it. Both basil and mint possess tiny glandular hairs that hold volatile oils. When the leaves are crushed, these glands release their contents, resulting in the immediate, strong aroma that defines both herbs. The flowers of these herbs are typically bilaterally symmetrical, meaning they can only be divided into two mirror-image halves.
Specific Differences in Aroma and Growth
Despite their shared family traits, the unique identities of basil and mint are rooted in their specific chemical compositions and growth patterns.
Chemical Composition and Flavor
The defining cooling sensation of mint, especially in peppermint, is primarily due to the high concentration of the compound menthol, which contributes to the sharp, refreshing flavor profile. Basil’s signature flavor, in contrast, comes from entirely different volatile compounds. Sweet basil varieties contain high levels of linalool, which provides a sweet, floral, and slightly woody scent, and estragole, which imparts a sweet, anise-like, or peppery note. The specific ratios of these compounds vary between cultivars, resulting in the distinct flavors of Thai basil, lemon basil, and classic Italian basil.
Growth Habits
Their habits in the garden represent another practical distinction. Basil is a tender herb typically grown as an annual in most temperate climates, meaning it completes its life cycle in one season and is highly sensitive to cold. It grows upright and requires pruning to maintain a bushy form. Mint, however, is a resilient perennial that returns year after year and is known for its aggressive, invasive spreading habit. It uses underground runners, or rhizomes, to rapidly colonize a garden bed, often requiring containment in pots.