It’s herb time!
Spring is in full swing! I’ve got my herbs planted…do you? This is a great time of year to spend a few bucks on fresh herb plants at your local farmer’s market or garden supply. Seeds are way less expensive so you can go that route as well. Here are the top five reasons to grow your own herbs.
A few herbs, such as oregano, have been shown to have some of the highest antioxidant levels. This means they help prevent chronic diseases, cancer and chronic inflammation.
Add just a little, get a lot of flavor! Fresh herbs put a different spin on the same dish you’ve been making all year. Your family might even think it’s a different dish!
You can plant them in the ground or in pots. Since it’s difficult to grow herbs through the winter, you can plant them in pots and bring them in when the warmer seasons are over. Even if you plant them in the ground in the Southern, warmer states, most will come back next year!
You get to provide nourishment to something! It’s always rewarding to pull off an herb garden. I’m not going to fib…it’s certainly not the easiest thing to do. They can be finicky at times, especially when outside in super hot climates. But when it works, you will have plenty to share!
Your dish will taste better than the neighbors dish at the next potluck because you used fresh herbs!
Here’s some pairings if you decide to experiment with growing your own herbs. These are the most commonly used and known herbs but there are so many more. Remember everyone has a different palate and you’ll sometimes find your own combinations.
Oregano
Common in Greek and Mexican dishes and anything with tomato sauce
Rosemary
Goes great with your proteins: steak, chicken, salmon and trout
Thyme
Use in French and Mediterranean cuisine, add to soups and stews
Basil
Use in Mediterranean dishes, pesto sauces, pasta dishes, soups, salads and as a garnish
Mint
Great for tea, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, accompanying curries and as a garnish