• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

  • Home
  • Plants A to Z
  • Plant Types
    • Cacti
    • Indoor Plants
      • Dragon Trees
      • Money Plants
      • Peace Lily
    • Outdoor
      • Evergreen Plants
        • Saxifrages
        • Evergreen Azalea
      • Wallflowers
      • Primrose
      • Climbing Roses
    • Herbs
    • Bulbs
      • Amaryllis
      • Ranunculus
      • Snowdrops
      • Tulips
    • Trees
      • Bonsai Trees
      • Horse Chestnut Tree
      • Prunus Autumnalis Rosea
    • Shrubs
      • Hawthorns and Haws
      • Roses
    • Conifers
      • Alberta Globe
    • Weeds
      • Dandelions
  • Uses of Plants
    • Cookery
    • Foods
      • Wheat
    • Traditional Medicine
    • Bio Fuel
    • Carbon Reduction
  • Education
    • Chlorophyll
    • Photosynthesis
  • Equipment
  • Care
    • Types of Soil
    • General Fertilizers and Plant Food
    • Natural Fertilizers
  • News and Views
    • Blog
  • Contact

Herbs

Herbs are plants that are often associated with cooking and flavoring food. Most often, it is the leafy part of the plant that offers the distinctive flavors. When the leaves are cut from the plant, the roots remain and the leaves will grow back in future seasons. An abundance of fresh herbs would allow excess leaves to be dried and stored ready for use at a later date. Herb gardens can be grown indoors or outdoors.

Herbs are little culinary secrets, packed with vibrant flavors and aromatic compounds that elevate every dish. Not only do herbs add layers of taste to our food, but they also come with a plethora of health benefits.

Here is a guide on cultivating a variety of herbs at home and incorporating them into your daily cooking regimes.

Growing Conditions for Herbs

Most herbs thrive under similar conditions:

  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
  • Light: Ideally, a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Water: Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
  • Temperature: Herbs tend to grow well between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C).

Popular Herbs

Oregano (Origanum vulgare): This Mediterranean favorite needs full sunlight and is drought-resistant. Its earthy, robust flavor pairs perfectly with tomato-based dishes.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): With tiny leaves packed with flavor, thyme loves a sunny spot. Use in roasts, stews, or infused oils.

Sage (Salvia officinalis): This herb prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. With its fuzzy leaves and unique taste, it is a staple in poultry dishes and stuffings (sage and onion stuffing being one of our favorites).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil thrives in sunlight and well-draining soil. Ideal for pesto, pasta, and fresh salads.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): This herb enjoys sunlight and prefers slightly dry conditions. Its anise-like flavor makes it a unique addition to salads and chicken dishes.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): Also known as cilantro, coriander thrives in cooler temperatures. Every part of the plant is edible once cleaned and cooked – seeds, stems, and leaves. Use in curries, salsas, and garnishes.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Prefers sunlight and well-drained soil. It’s similar to oregano but milder. Excellent for marinades and vinaigrettes.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This woody herb loves full sunlight. Its needle-like leaves add flavor to grills, roasts, and bread.

Mint (Mentha): Prefers partial shade and keeps the soil moist. Mint is versatile, and can be great in both savory dishes, like lamb, salads, etc. and desserts, such as sorbets.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Chives, relatives of onions and garlic, enjoy full sunlight. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over omelets, baked potatoes, or use them as garnish.

Safety First

Before consuming anything from your garden, ensure it’s safe to eat. It’s your responsibility to consult with a qualified and indemnified expert if in doubt.

Recipes Ideas with Fresh Herbs

Meaty Delights

  • Rosemary Lamb Chops: Season chops with rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and grill.
  • Thyme Roast Chicken: Stuff the bird with lemon slices and thyme, and roast till golden.
  • Tarragon Creamy Chicken: Pan-fry chicken breasts, and finish with a creamy tarragon sauce.

Vegetarian Favorites

  • Minted Pea Soup: Blend boiled peas, mint, vegetable stock, and season to taste.
  • Basil Pesto Pasta: Whizz basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and season. Mix with cooked pasta.
  • Sage & Brown Butter Gnocchi: Pan-fry boiled gnocchi in brown butter and sage leaves until crispy.

Growing herbs at home is a delightful way to infuse your dishes with fresh flavors. From garden to plate, these green wonders not only enhance the culinary experience but also make the cooking journey quite therapeutic and very rewarding.

See all our other herb articles to inspire you to try some of the great-tasting herbs from around the world.

Happy gardening and bon appétit!

About Plants
… and great tasting herbs too!

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Flowers That Look Like a Daisy
  • Riverside Strolls
  • Winter Walks

Categories

  • Flowers That Look Like
  • General Nature

Disclaimer and Disclosure

The content of this website is for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended for commercial use. We aim to publish accurate and informative content but you must always seek appropriate advice from a qualified and indemnified professional (or other suitable expert) before taking any action or making any decision in relation to any of the content displayed on this website.

The owners of AboutPlants.com participate in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme that provides a means for websites to earn advertising fees by advertising products on the Amazon website and linking to amazon.co.uk, amazon.com and other Amazon websites. As an Amazon Associate, the owners of this website earn from qualifying purchases.

This website also promotes third-party products that are offered through affiliate networks including Clickbank. We may make a commission on sales or when you sign up for products or services. Clicking the affiliate links from this website should not affect the price you pay for any product or service, and in some cases, there may be offers that are better than ordinarily available. Some services we are affiliated with may pay you for doing tasks e.g. writing content. In this instance, we may receive a commission from the payment for the work you complete. This should not affect the amount you receive for doing the tasks/work. The commissions described above are used to support the costs of maintaining this website.

Before Footer

Categories

  • Flowers That Look Like
  • General Nature

· AboutPlants.com · Copyright © 2023 · Business 2u Ltd. Company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 06848660

· Terms and Conditions · Privacy Policy · Earnings Disclaimer