Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Healthy and Tasty Herbs to Grow at Home

Herbs add flavor and personality to any dish. Herbs fresh in the garden are specifically flavorful. There's a wide variety of herbs that may be grown in your own home, anywhere from pots inside a sunny window to some full-scale herb garden.

Many herbs could be grown from seed that are planted every year. Some herbs are perennial, meaning once they have established yourself they will return every year. Most perennial herbs are grown from young plants, while annual herbs are grown from seed. You can begin seeds indoors in pots after which move them outdoors towards the garden if you want. Herbs often grow well in large pots on the deck or patio.

Herbs are simple to find and can include in your garden plans. Various kinds of herb seeds can easily be bought in home and garden centers, or online sources. There are also small indoor or container herb gardens to help you get started with growing these tasty plants.

Annual herbs include oregano, basil and dill. Some popular perennial herbs are rosemary, thyme, chives, mint and parsley. Many of these herb varieties add fresh flavors for your cooking.

Basil is extremely popular and simple to grow. Basil leaves are utilized in Italian pasta sauce together with oregano. The longer the sauce is simmered, the greater flavor is released in the basil leaves. Fresh basil is an integral part of the delicious margarita pizza, together with fresh garden tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil could be chopped and integrated into salads, pastas and vegetable dishes.

Parsley adds fresh flavor to just about any dish. It's also a natural breath freshener. Try chopping parsley and freezing in small containers to increase your cooking throughout every season.

Rosemary is a strong, robust herb. In a few climates it may be grown like a beautiful ornamental shrub. It adds incredible flavor to lamb along with other meats. Rosemary pairs especially well with garlic - try adding rosemary for your garlic bread, roasted potatoes or another vegetables.

Dill is really a fresh summer annual that contributes zip to salads, breads and soups. It's paired with sour cream or yogurt for dips or perhaps a cool summer soup. It really works well with salmon.

Mint is really a perennial herb that spreads easily throughout a garden. It livens up teas and adds freshness to lush berries and cream. Mint complements grilled lamb and adds a very beautiful flavor to dishes.

Herbs could be dried and preserved for approximately one year. Dry the herbs thoroughly and store them whole, in rigid containers with airtight seals. You may also freeze herbs in Ziploc bags and store for approximately two years. These preserved herbs continues to add life for your cooking long afterwards harvest.

When you plan your vegetable garden, be sure to include herbs. They're an essential the main freshest and many tasty recipes. You will find hundreds of ways to use these versatile plants.

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Versatility and Magic of Cooking With Herbs

Herbs and spices are simple to use and boost the flavor of food. Start substituting herbs for salt and in a short time, you will be accustomed to the fresh taste of the food you'll scarcely miss it. Let's move on with the most popular herbs and their culinary companions.

Sweet Basil is really a staple in Italian along with other Mediterranean cuisines. As the dish could be the dance, basil may be the dancer. The basil tomato tango is really a favorite of who love tomato sauce. The wonderful aroma of the herb waltzes with mozzarella and dips right into a light creamy lemon sauce that loves salmon along with other fish dishes. There are many types of basil. Some possess a light mint flavor, while some may suggest lemon or cinnamon.

Chives give a delicate onion flavor to egg, vegetable, seafood and cheese dishes, and add color and flavor to vinegar Make use of the flowers in bouquets and arrangements.

Cilantro is really a two for just one herb. Make use of the leaves to improve the flavor of potato, tuna or egg salad. Cilantro's coriander seeds are versatile and also at home in desserts, meat, and seafood dishes.

Dill grows easily...and prolifically! Like coriander, its versatility causes it to be a welcome guest in foods along with a supporting player in bouquets. Make use of this wonderful herb in soups, sauces. Sprinkle over carrots, sweet potatoes and corn.

Lavender invokes visions of romance and relaxation. Victorian women tried on the extender in their sachets and hankies. It supposedly brought it well from a "lady like swoon." Today this herb can be found in potpourris, sachets, soaps and candles. Lavender includes a soothing aroma and constitutes a relaxing, highly aromatic tea.

Lemon Balm adds a fascinating flavor to tea, fruit salads as well as in whatever you such as the taste of lemon. Improve broccoli and chicken dishes with lemon balm.

Lemon Verbena includes a stronger flavor that it is cousin above. Utilize it to enhance the taste of tea, pastries, vegetables and chicken dishes.

Marjoram using its sweet delicate flavor adds a magic touch to meat, stews and vegetables. It may be use in addition to or as an alternative for oregano.

Oregano, a powerful, pungent herb can overpower dishes. When utilized in moderation, it gives Italian and Greek dishes a zesty, assertive flavor.

NOTE: For any zesty Italian seasoning, combine equal areas of basil, oregano and marjoram.

Tarragon using its sweet, anise flavor likes to find itself in vinegars, sauces, soups, seafood and vegetables. Use sparingly for like oregano can overpower a dish.

Mint, another versatile herb, can be used in tea, meats for example lamb and chicken and mixed vegetables. Utilize it fresh, dried or frozen.

Parsley, and also being used being an ingredient and garnish in foods can also be natures breathe mint. Italian parsley (flat leaf) enhances the flavor of sauces and vegetables.

Rosemary, adds body to meats for example lamb and vegetables. Use also in sachets and put in closets or dresser drawers.

Sage, earthy and pungent is ideal for cold weather cooking. Combine it with chicken dishes, hearty soups and stews. The ancients believed sage had medicinal properties that aided in digestion of fats. Today, it's believed to help alleviate the the signs of menopause. Utilize it with lavender in sachets that will help you relax.

Thyme is available in many colors and varieties, and tastes just like a combination of parsley, mint, bay and lemon balm. Use thyme in soups, stews, vegetables, meats, vinegar and bread. Vegetables and cheese dishes taste especially good when match thyme.

Do not be afraid to test out herbs whenever you cook. They're fun, versatile and may be used in a combination which makes your palate smile. Explore, experiment, enjoy!

Marianne L. Kelly Marianne L. Kelly is really a former chef, journalist, editor and content writer. Like a chef she offered tasty, healthy options to high calorie, fat, sugar and sodium laden foods. She's designed her very own healthy diet plan and has helped others do exactly the same. Marianne has written three themed main stream cookbooks. She's currently focusing on a third that follows each season with stories, poems, thoughts and sayings together with healthy recipes in the bounty of every season. She's also works together with a web designer writing original content and re-writes, and it is available for hire. To learn more visit strawintogold.weebly.com