Herbs are an essential part of any kitchen. They add flavor and aroma to dishes, and can even be used for medicinal purposes. But with so many herbs available, it can be hard to know which ones to use. In this article, we'll take a look at the 10 most used herbs and what they look like, how to store them, and how to use them in your cooking.
Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It has a sweet, licorice-like aroma and is used in many Italian dishes such as pesto and Insalata Caprese. There are several varieties of basil, including sweet basil, purple basil, and Thai basil. Coriander is a herb that is often confused with parsley.
It has flat, oval leaves that range from diffuse to smooth. Coriander is used in many cuisines around the world, including Mexican, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Indian. Dill is a delicate herb with soft leaves that resemble a fern. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with fish, lamb, potatoes, and peas.
Dill also helps reduce swelling and cramps and can attract beneficial insects to your garden. Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in drinks such as mojitos or mint juleps, or added to summer iced tea. Peppermint freshens breath and helps soothe stomachs. However, mint is considered an invasive plant so be careful not to let it take over your garden! Oregano is another popular herb that looks similar to marjoram but has a spicy flavor instead of sweet.
Oregano is often used in Italian dishes such as pizza and sauces. Rosemary is a unique looking herb with needle-like woody stems. Both the stems and needles can be used for cooking and rosemary adds a delicious flavor to poultry, meat, and vegetables. Spring onions are related to onions and other bulb vegetables but look more like grass.
They have a mild onion flavor that pairs well with salads and soups. Marjoram looks similar to oregano but has a sweet flavor instead of spicy. Marjoram is often used in French cuisine such as sauces and stews. Sage is an aromatic herb that pairs well with meats, sauces, and vegetables.
It also helps relieve cuts and inflammation and was once thought to be a medicinal cure. Salvia is an easy-to-grow herb that attracts bees to your garden. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with eggs, beans, and vegetables. Thyme is a delicate-looking plant with greyish-green leaves that have a minty aroma with hints of lemon. Thyme is often used in French, Mediterranean, Italian, and Provencal cuisines. Cilantro (also known as coriander leaf or Chinese parsley) has flat leaves with a touch of anise flavor that pairs well with spicy foods such as chills and Mexican dishes. Fennel has a strong taste similar to anise and is native to the Mediterranean region.
Fennel leaves are often added to soups and stews while the bulb can be sautéed or grilled. Chervil produces flat light green leaves with a touch of anise flavor that enhances the flavor of chicken, fish, vegetables, eggs, and salads. Winter Savory is a deliciously spicy culinary herb that adds an aromatic flavor to many dishes. It's also used for medicinal purposes due to its antibacterial properties.
