Common Culinary Herbs
Herbs are an essential part of any kitchen, adding flavor and complexity to everyday dishes. There are many common herbs used in the culinary world, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. From the subtle flavors of basil to the strong flavor of oregano, herbs can add complexity and variety to a dish, there are many common culinary herbs that you probably already grow.
Common Culinary Herbs
What is making your food taste so good? It could be the fresh ingredients, including the herbs. But, herbs are not just used for cooking – they're also useful as household remedies and cleaning products. Here is a list of common herbs you might see and their uses.
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Have you ever considered the potential of herbs beyond just adding delicious flavor to food? Although herbs have long been used to season dishes, they can also be used to make natural remedies! If you haven't explored this before, you'll be amazed at the range of remedies you can create from these plants.
Common Herbs and Their Culinary Uses
Let’s look at these common culinary herbs that you can buy almost anywhere you buy groceries if you don't want to try growing them yourself. But maybe try growing a few yourself.
Basil – Most often used is sweet basil. Use it to season meats and vegetables. It has a flavor similar to cloves.
Anise – The seeds are used for salads and baked goods. The leaves can also be used for meat and salads. Tastes like licorice.
Chives – Have an onion flavor. Used in salads and on vegetables.
Dill – Known for use in making pickles, but also popular for dressings. Use leaves in salads and as seasonings on fish, meat, and vegetables.
Garlic – Chopped, minced, or as a spread, it flavors meat and vegetables.
Oregano – Used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Common on pizza, in soups, sauces, and on vegetable dishes.
Mint – Used as a flavoring for mint sauce. Use the leaves in teas as a soother.
Parsley – Mostly used as decoration on dinner plates. It can make a seasoning for soup and salad.
Thyme – Found in the mix of herbs used in Italian cuisine.
Sage – This herb is used the most around Thanksgiving and Christmas. It flavors poultry as well as stuffing and dressing.
Savory – Found in dishes that contain eggs, soups, sauces, and green beans.
Rosemary – Great for seasoning lamb and poultry.
Marjoram – It is found in the Italian mix of seasonings. Use it to flavor meats.
Coriander – The seeds are used in stuffing and curries. It tastes like orange leaves. The leaves are used in Asian and Mexican cuisine.
Chervil – Can be used as a garnish. Often mixed with salad greens and in soups or omelets.
Fennel – Used to season fish and sometimes found in sauces. You can use the leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tarragon – This is a French herb. It is an ingredient in tartar sauce, chicken dishes, and some seafood and it can flavor vinegar.
Cilantro – Used primarily in Mexican cuisine for salsa, rice, and meats.
How many of these herbs do you have in your kitchen? Use fresh and dried for your cooking purposes. Remember, you can grow herbs all year long, as well as freeze them or dry them for use later on.
