In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Are ajwain and parsley the same?” We will also discuss if parsley and ajwain can be used in place of each other. Moreover, we will also discuss if parsley and dhania are the same and the different herbs that can be used in place of parsley.
Are ajwain and parsley the same?
No, ajwain and parsley are not the same. Ajwain is the Indian name for carom seeds. Parsley is commonly known as ajmood in India. They both come from the same family as coriander- Apiaceae.
Having the same prefixes, these two spices are often confused for one another, but let me tell you they are two different spices with completely different flavors and aromas. Ajwain is more similar to thyme in terms of its earthy and minty flavors.
Likewise, parsley is quite similar to cilantro in terms of its flavors while it comes close to chervil in terms of its physical appearance. Fresh coriander leaves or cilantro are also known as Chinese parsley because of their close resemblance to parsley. Similarly, chervil is also sometimes known as French parsley.
Can ajwain and parsley be used in place of each other?
No, ajwain and parsley cannot be used in place of each other. These two herbs have too different flavor profiles and aromas to be used as each other’s substitutes.
While parsley adds mild flavors to your dish without overpowering the other spices or ingredients, ajwain tends to make a complex and powerful statement by overwhelming other ingredients.
Are parsley and dhania the same?
No, parsley is not the same as dhaniya (the Indian name for coriander). They may be similar as both dhaniya and parsley are commonly used leaves for different culinary purposes, but they have their own unique and distinct characteristics that separate them from each other.
Both parsley and dhania are common culinary herbs and have been part of traditional medicine practices since ancient times, but their appearance, flavors, and aromas are totally different from each other.
The two herbs have a very close resemblance but you can easily tell them apart by having a closer look. The pointed curly bright green leaves of parsley are what sets it apart from dhaniya or cilantro whose leaves are darker and rounder with distinct sharp edges.
Another property that distinguishes dhaniya and parsley is their flavors and fragrance. While parsley has a mild, herbal, and grassy flavor, coriander is well known for its extreme flavors.
Dhaniya leaves are very pungent, citrusy, and more flavored than parsley.
Which herb is similar to parsley?
Thankfully there are a lot of other herbs that can be used as a substitute for parsley. So don’t worry if you don’t have parsley in your kitchen, use these instead:
Cilantro
Cilantro leaves for garnish are usually harvested when they are young before they start producing flowers. They have a strong resemblance to parsley and somewhat similar flavor profiles.
Though they are very pungent with intense flavors, they can be a great substitute for parsley. They are mostly used for garnish but if you’re using them while cooking, make sure to use them sparingly.
Celery leaves
Celery leaves are not a great replacement for parsley when it is used to replicate the flavors of parsley but they can be used as garnish as they look very identical to parsley. The soft and tender stems along with the leaves can be chopped and used as a garnish in any recipe that would require parsley. Given its close resemblance to parsley, most people won’t even notice the difference.
Carrot tops
If you have fresh carrots on your hands, you can use the green tops as a substitute for parsley. Carrot tops have similar bitter tones to parsley so don’t use them while cooking but they make a great pair with salads and for garnish.
Chervil
Chervil is the closest to parsley in terms of its physical appearance as well as the flavor so many people also call it french parsley. It can easily replace parsley in both fresh as well as dried forms. Chervil has a milder taste in comparison to parsley so you’ll have to use lots of it to bring out the flavors and aroma of parsley.
Chives
Although chives taste more like onion and garlic than parsley they can be a decent replacement for parsley in selective recipes. They are bright green and can be perfect for garnishing purposes. Due to its mild flavors, it goes well and complements different types of foods. You can get yourself some amazing chives here.
Other FAQs about Herbs that you may be interested in.
What is ground coriander used for in cooking?
Are dhaniya and Kothmir the same?
Does coriander taste like cilantro?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Are ajwain and parsley the same?” We have also discussed if parsley and ajwain can be used in place of each other. Moreover, we have also discussed if parsley and dhania are the same and the different herbs that can be used in place of parsley.
Citations
https://www.thespruceeats.com/carom-seeds-ajwain-1957879
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/parsley-substitute
