Herbs add immense flavor, fragrance, color, and health benefits to foods. As an avid home cook and gardener, I love experimenting with different herbs in my recipes and growing my own fresh herbs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top culinary herbs, tips for using them, and their nutritional benefits.
Popular Culinary Herbs and Their Uses
Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint are kitchen staples used in a variety of cuisines around the world. Here’s an overview of some of my favorite herbs to cook with and how I like to use them:
# Basil
This aromatic herb is indispensable in Italian dishes, pestos, sandwiches, salads and more. The sweet flavor of basil complements tomatoes, mozzarella and other Mediterranean ingredients beautifully. Try mixing chopped basil into pasta sauces right at the end to preserve its flavor and color.
# Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile herb used extensively in Mexican, Thai, Indian and other Asian cuisines. Its bright, citrusy flavor livens up salsas, curries, salads, and grilled meats. Use it as a flavorful garnish too. Blend cilantro with garlic, olive oil and lime juice for a simple sauce or marinade.
# Parsley
Curly leaf and Italian flat leaf parsley varieties both make excellent garnishes and ingredients. Parsley’s fresh, herbaceous flavor makes it a great addition to salads, pasta, pizza, fish, chicken, vegetables and more. Use it in chimichurri sauce, tabbouleh salad or blend into pesto.
# Mint
Cool and refreshing mint balances heat and cuts through rich flavors beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s lovely in fruit salads, lemonade, teas, lamb dishes, Indian chutneys, Greek cooking and Thai cuisine. Start with a small amount when cooking with mint as the flavor intensifies.
Growing Your Own Herbs
One of the joys of cooking with herbs is growing them right outside your kitchen door. Having homegrown herbs on hand makes it easy to snip off what you need to add a burst of flavor. Some herbs like basil, parsley and cilantro are very easy to grow from seeds or transplants. You can grow them successfully in garden beds or containers.
Here are some quick tips for growing herbs at home:
– Choose a sunny location for most herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme and sage. Mint does well in partial shade.
– Amend soil with organic matter or potting mix to ensure good drainage.
– Start seeds indoors or purchase transplants. Transplant seedlings outdoors after any danger of frost has passed.
– Water when soil is partly dry to the touch. Allow soil to dry between watering to prevent diseases.
– Harvest often by snipping off outer stems and leaves to encourage more growth.
Health Benefits of Herbs
In addition to adding flavor, many popular culinary herbs offer significant health benefits. Adding more herbs to your recipes is an easy way to work in nutrition and replace salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
For example, basil contains antioxidants like beta-carotene. Mint promotes digestion and soothes stomachs. Anti-inflammatory rosemary may help boost memory and brain function. The lemon flavors in parsley and cilantro come from antioxidants that help our livers process toxins.
So don’t be shy about increasing the amounts of tasty herbs in your cooking! Their flavors and health benefits will enhance any dish. Start by adding a few pinches or teaspoons at first, then increase to your desired intensity.
What are your favorite herbs to grow and cook with? I’d love to hear your best herb recipe ideas too! Leave a comment below.
