Best Fresh Herbs to Grow
Which fresh herbs are best to grow indoors or in your garden?
Basil
Used as a garnish in whole leaves or chiffonade (shredded or finely cut). This versatile herb is often used in pasta sauces and Italian dishes such as bruschetta, for a fresh, crisp flavor. And it’s easy to grow in a windowsill!
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are almost exclusively used as whole leaves, because the flavor is expunged from the leaves in a steeping process. Commonly used when cooking rice, sauces, and soups, and is removed before the dish is served.
Coriander/Cilantro
The early stages of cilantro are called coriander, or coriander seeds. It has a pungent, crisp, citrusy flavor, but don’t cook with this herb, it will lose its flavor. Only garnish. It’s primarily used in Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes. Some people have a gene that causes cilantro to have a soapy taste, which may be why you love or hate the flavor profile of Chipotle Mexican Grill®.
Oregano
Of course it’s used in almost every Italian dish. It has an earthy, musty, green, hay flavor, and looks like your kid’s weed, as it can be used minced or ground.
Parsley
Brightens the flavor profile of dishes, and is used as a garnish. Don’t chop it too finely though, because bigger pieces are prettier and have more flavor. It is typically used in home-style dishes, or with salads, soups and vegetables.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a lemon-pine flavor, but woodsy and peppery at the same time. Always chop it very finely when cooking, as it is a very coarse herb with a mild flavor that needs to be spread throughout the dish. It’s typically used with roasted potatoes, poultry, steak and fish. Easy to grow and lasts for years.
Thyme
Thyme is an herb from the mint family but it’s so much more than an after-thought herb. It has a number of health benefits and fresh leaves or whole sprigs can be used while preparing meat or poultry. Thyme is also an excellent ingredient to use with fish.
