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Discover The Savory Goodness Of Fresh Herbs

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Who says something that tastes good can’t be good for you? Whether you grow your own or purchase them at your local farmer’s market, fresh fragrant herbs can turn even the most modest meal into a savory delight. And best of all, herbs add flavor without increasing sodium and other additives in your diet. As an added bonus, many culinary herbs contain antioxidants that help boost the immune system.

There are several varieties of herbs that are perfect for enhancing your favorite recipes and they are very easy to use. Bear in mind that when you use fresh herbs you will generally need to use three times the amount that you would use if you were incorporating dried herbs into a dish. While some recipes call for sprigs of herbs, most of the time the herbs are chopped or minced before adding them to dishes. Fresh herbs are typically added to a recipe toward the end of the cooking process.

The best way to learn about the taste of herbs is to take a clean leaf of the herb and chew it, but do not swallow it. Notice the taste. Learning about the different flavors of herbs will help you determine the dishes in which you would enjoy the taste. Add fresh chopped herbs (one at a time) to something bland, yet familiar, like mashed potatoes. This allows the intensity of the herb to stand on its own and helps you know how much herb to add.

For optimum freshness, purchase herbs close to the time you plan to use them. Fresh herbs will maintain their freshness for a few days if you store them in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer. Another way to extend the freshness of herbs is to snip off the ends and place them in a tall glass with an inch of water.

While most herbs are versatile and can be used in numerous dishes some are a natural fit for certain recipes. Basil, for instance, is a perfect complement to tomato-based dishes. It is also delicious when incorporated into a pesto sauce and is a delicious addition to salads. Oregano is a full flavored herb that is often used in stews, soups and pasta dishes that have tomato sauces. It also pairs well with egg and cheese dishes and adds savory flavor to vegetables and beans. Fresh leaves of oregano can be tossed into a salad.

Fresh thyme is perfect to use on a variety of meats, seafood and shellfish. It is also a tasty compliment to eggs, potatoes and summer squash.

Mint comes in a variety of flavors including peppermint, spearmint, lemon and even chocolate. It adds a festive and fragrant touch to deserts but can also be used with a variety of vegetables and as a sauce to accompany lamb recipes. A sprig of mint along with some lemon in iced herbal teas or in water makes a low-calorie and refreshing treat on a warm spring day.

This spring make a point to include fresh herbs in your favorite recipes. You and your family will be delighted at the fragrant, delicious boost they add to everyday meals.