There are so many wonderful culinary herbs that it’s difficult to pick only five for our list, but here they are:
1. Basil. The scent of basil when gently rubbed between your fingers is strong and heavenly. For pasta lovers this herb should be your top choice. It reminds us of long, lazy summer days and it is especially enjoyed with fresh garlic, crushed black pepper, large cuts of mozarella, thick slices of juicy beef tomatoes all covered with a light drizzle of an oil and vinegar dressing. Basil is also the main ingredient in pesto. Basil not only complements Italian food but also Thai and American cuisines.
2. Lavender. Our most used herb blend is Herbes De Provence and lavender helps make up this delicious mix, along with fennel. thyme, savory and others. It’s great on grilled food, especially fish, and in veggie soups and meaty stews too. Not only is lavender for eating, it helps us de-stress. Lavender relaxes the body, so a lavender filled sachet by your pillow will help you have a great night’s sleep!
3. Dill. Great with pickles! And let’s not forget salmon. It’s decorative and delicious!
4. Rosemary. This herb can grow very large! This shrub that can be tamed into mini culinary Christmas trees – a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. It smells heavenly too and it’s a perfect accompaniment for tomatoes and grilled vegetables, soup and meat.
5. Cilantro finishes out our list. It has a very different aroma and certainly livens up a dish. It’s the perfect herb for pico de gallo, and anything else Mexican!
So many herbs are available that it’s hard to choose just five top herbs. Growing herbs can be a lot of fun, so if you’ve ever fancied the idea of a herb garden then why not pick up these five herbs in the spring and get planting! You will then have a choice of herbs that will delight your palate that are at hand, for whatever type of dish you are cooking.
Tags: basil, cilantro, cooking, culinary herbs, dill, growing herbs, herb garden, Herbes de Provence, lavender, rosemary, Soups, stews, veggies