For thousands of years, people have been growing culinary herbs to aid in cooking. If you’d like to have fresh herbs for cooking, growing them is a great way to do it. There are herbs to suit every recipe, from spicy to tangy to salty to simply delicious.
Parsley is often seen on the side of your plate, but it should be used more than just for decoration. It makes a delicious addition to fish, chicken, lamb, soups and salads. It is a very versatile herb.
One of the most commonly called-for ingredients in recipes is thyme. Made from the leaves of a small woody-stemmed plant, thyme can add the perfect hint of flavor to just about anything. Great in a tuna casserole, a sophisticated stew, or a sauce to be spread over beef, even grilled chicken and cheese dishes can benefit from the addition of a bit of thyme.
One beautifully pungent herb used as a common addition to Italian dishes — Basil — is used for good reason. It adds what many chefs like to call the ‘right’ touch. This is an herb of many uses, whether used for varieties of recipes from colorful pastas to cheesy pizzas, and is recommended greatly when preparing one’s tomato sauce for sophisticated, delicious pasta dishes.
Looking for something with just a little more zest? Aniseed may be the perfect solution. The oil of anise is actually used in the making of artificial licorice because of it’s licorice-like flavor, and will add a whole new dimension to the most basic dish. The slender leaves of the tarragon plant are great herbs to add to fish or mayonnaise-based dishes because of their spicy flavor.
Growing culinary herbs is not a very difficult task at all. Soil, water and sunshine are really all they need, the same as any other type of herb. As a matter of fact, they are actually quite hardy and disease-resistant. Yes, growing your own herbs for cooking is really rather simple!
Another favorite herb is coriander seeds. These come from the plant that forms the base of cilantro. They have a citrusy flavor and are great on pork, in curry, or for chutney. Dill, an herb that has a bit of tang, is great for pickling or on a salad. It also makes for a great addition to olive oil.
Many herbs are used in cooking that are members of the mint family. The two most common are sage and rosemary. Peppermint, a herb that gives a wonderful odor and taste is also a great addition to many items. If you’re looking for something to complement veal or potatoes, a good choice is mint. Mint is also used in soups and for making jelly.
It’s less common for people to grow saffron, but anybody with a sense of adventure should try it. Its tangy, honey-like flavor is a delightful departure from the more “traditional” herbs. Turkish people add saffron to rice pudding, but it can also be used in chicken or fish dishes.
No matter what your tastes are, chances are you will love adding herbs to your recipes. Which is why growing culinary herbs is a wonderful way to get the best of gardening and cooking. Try them once and you will use them again and again to transform every day dishes into culinary art.
