Give Your Meals A Fresh Twist By Growing Culinary Herbs
A great way to have a continuous supply of herbs for cooking is by growing culinary herbs in your own garden. There are many great herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Herbs can have a tang to them, or they can be spicy or even salty, or they can be simply delicious. For any recipe out there, there is the perfect herb.
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.
The most common ingredient in recipes is Thyme. Thyme is made from the leaves of a woody-stemmed plant that is small in size. This herb works wonders when added to tuna casserole. It is brilliant in sauces for beef or in stews, and in chicken or cheeses. It seems that almost any dish can benefit when a bit of thyme is added.
The most common herb associated with Italian dishes is basil. It happens to add just the right touch. Basil is good with soup, pizza, and even pasta. You will create a fabulous dish by adding basil to it the next time you cook. This Italian herb has over a hundred uses.
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 so easy that anybody can do it. They are actually one of the easiest plants to grow and need only sunshine, water and soil. They are very resistant to disease and can endure adverse conditions well.
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 you enjoy cooking, your masterpieces will be enhanced by growing culinary herbs. Cooking with herbs is fun and adds just the right spice to any old ho-hum dish.
