Nine Best Fresh Herbs To Use In Your Kitchen
If like me, you have had sticker shock at the price of fresh organic herbs lately, you will be happy to know that they are super easy to grow yourself for much less! One of the things I like most about herbs is that you can grow them pretty much anywhere. Even if you have no space for a garden, you can grow many herbs in pots on your windowsill or in containers on a patio. Fresh, organic, high-quality herbs can make the difference between a bland dish and something filled with exceptional flavor and aroma. Herbs often have powerful health benefits as well, by providing vitamins and minerals, strengthening the immune system, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, and reducing inflammation.
- Basil is by far my favorite herb. It is a staple in pizzas, salads, sauces, and pesto. In addition, it contains antioxidants and helps moderate blood sugar. It is easy to grow but needs hot weather and must be kept watered regularly to thrive.
2. Rosemary. I love the smell of rosemary! It is a great herb to add to poultry and vegetable dishes. It has a refreshing scent and is super easy to grow, preferring dry conditions. It is said to improve mood, memory and protect the immune system. Here in California, a rosemary plant will grow into a full-sized bush and thrives with neglect. Seriously!
3. Dill is easy to grow. It will also attract helpful insects to your garden such as wasps and other predatory insects. It also is a delicious complement to fish and sour cream dip for vegetables. Dill is a source of calcium (surprise!), iron and magnesium.
4. Thyme is a dainty, low-growing herb with a lemony scent. I love to use it for soups, stews, vegetables, and poultry. It is a staple of Provençal French cuisines. Thymol, an ingredient found in thyme, has been shown to prevent fungal and viral infections, reduce respiratory issues, and alleviate stress.
5. Cilantro is another of my favorite herbs and tastes amazing in salads, with chicken, and in Mexican cuisine. The seeds of cilantro are known as coriander. It grows best in cooler weather and requires moderate watering.
6. Lavender smells fantastic and survives with little care here in California, as long as it has full sun and well-drained soil. Health benefits include the soothing of insect bites and headaches and it has been touted as a sleep aid. I like to keep dried lavender sachets in drawers to keep linens freshly scented. In cooking, lavender imparts a sweet flavor.
7. Chives are super easy to grow and look amazing in herb gardens. Chives are a member of the garlic family and are considered one of the “fine herbs” of French cuisine. Chives are an excellent source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C and taste great with potatoes and other vegetables as well as fish as well as in soups and salads.
8. Mint is super duper easy to grow. There are several varieties of mint. You can use it in drinks like mojitos, mint juleps, and iced tea. It is also used in soups and salads. It is best used fresh. Mint has high antioxidant levels, freshens the breath and will help to calm your stomach. It also relieves congestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. If you grow mint, remember that it’s invasive. Mint will spread!
9. Oregano is also part of the mint family and is native to the warm climates of Eurasia and the Mediterranean. Oregano is a plant, but in colder climates can be grown as an annual. It is sometimes called wild marjoram and is closely related to sweet marjoram. Oregano is used for flavoring and is a staple herb of Italian American cuisine including everyone’s favorite, pizza!
If you grow your own herbs, you can be assured that they are fresh and organic. If you grow your herbs indoors you can enjoy them fresh year-round. But if that’s not an option, consider freezing or drying some of your own herbs to have available for use year round. Be warned that herb gardening can be addicting!
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