Twenty Herbs for Growing, Cooking, and Drying
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At HerbGourmet, we believe in the power of herbs to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, our goal is to inspire you to use fresh and dried herbs in your cooking, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of your dishes. Explore our comprehensive guide to twenty essential herbs, their uses, and how to incorporate them into your meals.
Cooking with Herbs
Introduction
Using herbs in your cooking is a great way to add flavor, enhance the taste of your dishes, and in some cases, give your food a lot of visual appeal. We all know that when food looks good and tastes good, everyone enjoys it more.
When you master the art of using herbs, whether fresh or dried, in your recipes, you’ll always have tantalizing dishes to serve your family at every meal and your guests at special occasions.
Many cooks use fresh herbs like parsley and mint as a garnish to spruce up the presentation of their dishes. In this short report, we’re going to show you how to use herbs to add zest and flavor by cooking with herbs and not just using them as a garnish.
Below is a list of twenty herbs that you can enjoy growing, cooking with, and drying for later use. We’ve also listed a short description of each herb and a few dishes that they can enhance.
Twenty Herbs for Growing, Cooking, and Drying
1. Basil
Basil is like mint and adds a clove-like flavor to your dishes. Sweet basil is most often used and is very popular in Mediterranean cooking. It works well in tomato-based products like Italian sauces, but it’s also good in pesto. Other dishes it works great in include Caprese salad, Bruschetta, tomato soup, curry, and marinara sauce.
2. Chives
Most people know chives well in dips and for adding to baked potatoes. But there is so much more you can do with chives. They are very similar to onions but don’t usually have the heat or bite like onions. They also look great as a garnish either chopped up or laid in small bunches across meats and other dishes. Chives can be used in creamy chicken dishes, in a lobster bisque, a green goddess dressing, and many cream cheeses or sour cream-based dishes. They give added flavor to potato soup and many cooks enjoy adding it to baked goods like crescent rolls and cheddar cheese biscuits.
3. Cilantro
Cilantro often goes by other names like coriander and Chinese parsley. One thing you can say about cilantro is that people either love it or hate it. Those who love it want to go overboard with using it. Those who hate it don’t even want it in their foods and sauces at all. To some people, cilantro has a lemony taste which is why they love it in salsa and other dishes. However, other people have claimed it tastes like soap or something rotten. Studies of twins have concluded that liking or disliking cilantro may be associated with genetics.
Since it is one of those herbs that can be overpowering and knowing that people either have a love or a hate relationship with it, be careful using it. You may want to experiment until you find the amount that gives added flavor but allows the other flavors in the dish to come through. Cilantro is most often used in Mexican foods like salsa, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and green sauce. You can generally look at the bowl of salsa on the table at a Mexican restaurant and see the cilantro leaves.
4. Dill
Dill is most often known for making pickles, but people have discovered that it adds a nice flavor to many dishes. It’s most often used on grilled fish but it can be added to soups, scrambled eggs, and potatoes. Other people like to add it to egg salad or tuna salad to add in some extra flavor for their sandwiches. It is one of those herbs that you probably need to acquire a taste for, especially for something other than pickles, but the health benefits of this herb need to be considered. Try adding small amounts of fresh dill to some of your favorite dishes to see if you like it. If you can’t find any combination you like, at least try it on grilled fish.
5. Parsley
Parsley has been mostly used for a garnish. Many people set it aside on their plate and never give it a second thought. That’s a shame because parsley adds a nice flavor to eggs and potato dishes. Europeans use it heartily in many dishes. Not only does it add flavor but it has a lot of healthy goodness in it too. It is wonderful in meat dishes, soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary has a woodsy or citrus flavor like pine needles. In fact, it also looks like pine needles. It is used in Mediterranean dishes and infused with balsamic vinegar for drizzling over salads. In small amounts, it adds flavor to your dishes and has some health benefits. However, this is one herb that you don’t want to ingest in large quantities as it can have some adverse effects in large doses. It is good on grilled fish and salmon. Add a bit of lemon and you have a nice zesty flavor that bursts in your mouth.
7. Sage
Most people are familiar with sage during the holidays. Many cooks will not serve stuffing or dressing (if you’re from the south) without a good amount of sage in the dish. But holidays aren’t the only time it’s a good herb to use. It’s also wonderful to add to cornmeal breading for frying fish. It also has a lot of health benefits when used as a tea.
8. Thyme
Thyme offers a woodsy or earth flavor to foods and is used in many Mediterranean dishes. It’s a part of the mint family and can be robust. As an aromatic herb, it also adds a wonderful smell when added to your dishes. It’s good in soups and stews but it’s also used in meat and potato dishes. It is most often used in pasta sauces because it blends well with oregano and other Italian and Mediterranean herbs.
9. Mint
Mint offers a zing that is fresh and tasty. It is most popular paired with chocolate these days but it is also good in teas. It has some awesome health benefits as well. Add it to your morning smoothies. It not only has a fresh taste but it can leave your mouth feeling fresh and offers a great deal of digestive benefits too. Add some to your pasta sauces for a fresh new taste.
10. Oregano
Oregano is widely known in Italian cuisine. It’s the most definitive flavor of pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna. It can also overpower other herbs so you want to get a nice blend without going overboard. It is slightly bitter and, as I said, can be overpowering at times but a batch of spaghetti sauce would not be the same without it.
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11. Tarragon
Tarragon has a slightly bittersweet flavor with an aroma similar to anise. It is widely used in French cuisine and pairs well with chicken, fish, and egg dishes. Tarragon is a key ingredient in Béarnaise sauce and works well in salads and dressings.
12. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have a subtle, earthy flavor and are often used to season soups, stews, and braises. They are typically added whole and removed before serving. Bay leaves can also be used in marinades and to infuse oils and vinegars.
13. Marjoram
Marjoram has a sweet, citrusy flavor that is somewhat similar to oregano but milder. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and North American cooking, particularly in meat dishes, soups, and stews. It also pairs well with vegetables and salad dressings.
14. Lovage
Lovage has a flavor similar to celery and parsley combined. It is often used in soups, stews, and broths. The leaves, stems, and seeds of lovage can all be used in cooking. It adds a fresh, slightly spicy flavor to dishes.
15. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Its seeds are commonly used in spice blends like curry powder, while the leaves can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes including stews, soups, and curries.
16. Sorrel
Sorrel has a tangy, lemon-like flavor and is used in soups, sauces, and salads. It pairs well with creamy ingredients and can be used to add a fresh, tart note to fish and poultry dishes. Sorrel is also great in pesto and other herb pastes.
17. Chervil
Chervil has a mild flavor reminiscent of parsley with a hint of anise. It is commonly used in French cooking, particularly in herb blends like fines herbes. Chervil works well in egg dishes, salads, and light sauces.
18. Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy flavor and is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is often used to flavor soups, curries, and teas. The stalks are typically bruised or finely chopped to release their essential oils.
19. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a mild lemon flavor and is used to add a fresh, citrusy note to both sweet and savory dishes. It is great in teas, salads, and marinades, and can also be used in desserts and baked goods.
20. Borage
Borage has a cucumber-like flavor and is used in salads, soups, and beverages. Its leaves can be cooked like spinach, and its vibrant blue flowers make a beautiful garnish. Borage is also used to infuse oils and vinegars.
How and When to Use Fresh Herbs
If you grow your own herbs you will always have an abundance of fresh herbs. Fresh are the best for getting the health benefits out of herbs, but if your plants grow well, you will want to dry some for later use.
Many recipes call for the use of fresh herbs. If you can’t find fresh herbs in your area or don’t have your own herb garden, then using dried herbs is best. However, be sure to add small amounts at a time. Dried herbs can be more potent. The last thing you want to do is ruin a wonderful dish by adding too much of an overpowering herb.
Fresh herbs are often used at the end of the cooking cycle and added just a few minutes before time to serve. Since they are fresh, they will readily leach their flavor into the dish. Also, using fresh herbs adds visual appeal so you don’t want them to look overly soggy in some dishes. You want the look of freshness.
Dried herbs, on the other hand, should be added earlier on so they have time to rehydrate and release their flavor.
Fresh herbs can be cut or chopped with a knife, but in some situations, you may want to use a mortar and pestle. You can also use this for dried herbs to crush them a bit more so they start releasing their flavor and aroma.
Storing Fresh Herbs
If you’re growing your own herbs, it’s best to use them straight from the plant. However, if your herbs are growing well, you will want to keep them pruned and consider drying the bulk of your herbs. Dried herbs add a slightly different flavor to foods than fresh.
To store fresh herbs for a few days, you need to know about the herb you want to store but a good rule of thumb is to rinse the herbs and towel dry them before storing. Some fresh herbs can be placed into zipper-sealed bags and will keep well. With others, you may need to wrap some paper towels around them before placing them into the bags. Always do an online search for specific herbs to learn the best way they can be stored fresh or the best way to dry them if you want to have dried herbs on hand.
How to Use Dried Herbs if You Don’t Have Fresh
Sometimes you just don’t have fresh herbs around so you’ll want to substitute with dried herbs instead. A good rule of thumb is to use a third of the amount of dried herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for a tablespoon of fresh herb you’ll want to use a teaspoon of dried herb.
As with any meal you cook, taste tests are highly recommended so add a little dried herb and give it a taste test after a few minutes. Keep doing this until you reach the desired flavor.
With many dried herbs, you’ll want to crush them in the palm of your hand before adding them to your dishes or use a mortar and pestle like mentioned above.
Making Herbed Butters
Making herbed butters can be an easy task. If you love butter and herbs on your side dishes or spreading them onto bread, making your own is a great idea.
You can make your own dill butter, chive butter, etc. You can use any of the fresh herbs you like.
For general herbed butters that you’ll use often, you can buy some small tubs of butter. Let them sit out long enough to soften and add in a nice number of fresh herbs of your choice.
Simply mix well and place in the fridge for daily use. Be sure to label them appropriately.
Making herbed butters is something you can get creative with if you’re serving guests and want to impress them.
All you’ll need is some flexible candy molds to create single-serve shapes of herbed butters.
Like before, you’ll soften your butter or soften herbed butters you’ve already created and spread into flexible candy molds to make shapes. Once the molds are full, you’ll chill them well and pop them out a few minutes before you serve your guests.
With flexible candy molds, this is an easy task and your guests will rave about how nice the shapes look. You can find a ton of designs online. They are inexpensive and will last for years.
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