As previously mentioned, both peppermint and spearmint are utilized in all types of Vietnamese cuisine including fresh rolls (gỏi cuốn) and salads. And you’ll see them in your herb basket almost every time you dine in Vietnam.
What kind of mint is in pho?
Depending on your pho philosophy, you can go super-simple or ornate with the tabletop pho garnishes. I keep things easy with regular spearmint (húng) from my garden and chiles that I’ve purchased or grown at home.
What kind of mint is used in Vietnamese cooking?
Glancing around at Vietnamese recipes, they will call for various members of the mint family: spearmint (húng lủi), peppermint (húng cây), perilla, Thai basil – and then there’s “Vietnamese mint” which is in a completely separate family, and dozens of other fresh herbs (coriander, etc.) used in a similar fashion.
Is Vietnamese mint the same as mint?
Vietnamese mint or Vietnamese coriander is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that grows from 15-30cm high, but it has been reported to grow up to 80cm in ideal conditions. It is not part of the mint family, but has some resemblance to the mints in its appearance and growth habits.
What herbs go in Vietnamese pho?
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 sprigs mint or spicy Thai mint, plus the same amount of any of these if you like: Thai basil or lemon basil, culantro or cilantro, and rice-paddy herb.
- 4 handfuls bean sprouts.
- 1 or 2 limes, cut into wedges.
What is Pho garnished with?
Conventional limes can be bracing and take over pho flavors, so I prefer garlic vinegar for a light tang; ripe (yellow) Bearss lime and Meyer lemon are good, too. During the warmer months, I’ll add Thai basil (hung quế) because it’s at its peak; ditto for a type of spicy mint (hung cay) sold at Viet markets.
Is pho served with basil or mint?
A fresh plate of herbs comes with many Vietnamese main dishes, including pho, the national soup of Vietnam. This version, from Andrea Nguyen, author of The Pho Cookbook (Ten Speed Press; $20), gives you options. You can go super-simple and stick to just mint and slices of chile, or add more herbs if you like.
What is Vietnamese mint good for?
Vietnamese Mint has anti-diarrheal actions as well. Due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent nature, Vietnamese Mint is used to treat swellings and skin issues like acne and sores. Oils which are derived from the leaves are used for their powerful antioxidant properties.
Can you eat Vietnamese mint flowers?
Vietnamese mint, also known as Vietnamese coriander is a perennial herb used in South East Asian cooking that is well worth having in the edible garden. Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata), or Vietnamese coriander is a perennial herb well worth having in an edible garden.
Is Vietnamese mint the same as Thai basil?
Vietnamese mint smells similar to Thai basil but it is far more pungent with a hot bite and slight numbing character and a strong alkalinity. Also known as hot mint, it is the leaf to use in Malaysian laksa soups, and is often simply known as laksa leaf.
Can Vietnamese mint grow in water?
Keep the soil surrounding the plant wet.
After watering your plant, apply fertilizer in a thin layer (or sprinkling, if you’re using a liquid fertilizer) over the soil surrounding it. Because Vietnamese mint is known to grow in shallow water, overwatering the plant is usually not an issue.
Does Vietnamese mint like full sun?
Tough, tasty and popular in Asian cuisine, Vietnamese mint is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow in most climates. Perfect for pots or garden beds, this naturally spreading herb is a handy ground cover, thriving in moist soils in sun or part shade.
How do you keep Vietnamese mint fresh?
Place in a plastic zip-top bag with a paper towel loosely wrapped around the sprigs. Refrigerate. I keep my bags mostly in the vegetable bin but sometimes I’ve tucked them into the regular shelves.
What are the greens served with pho?
The dish is garnished with ingredients such as green onions, white onions, Thai basil (not to be confused with sweet basil), fresh Thai chili peppers, lemon or lime wedges, bean sprouts, and cilantro (coriander leaves) or culantro.
Do you put basil in pho?
Thai basil is an optional ingredient in Vietnamese pho. Along with bean sprouts, lime wedges and chopped Asian chili, Thai basil is always included in the plate of garnishing that is provided with the bowl of pho (except for the Pho Bac or northern pho variety.)
How bad is pho?
Due to its nutritious ingredients and high protein content, it may offer several benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved joint health. Still, it can be high in sodium and calories, so portion size is important. Overall, pho can be a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet.