Herbs used as cooking ingredients have been a practice for over a long time. Growing culinary herbs in your garden at home allows you to have a fresh supply of herbs for your own cooking. There are various kinds of herbs according to its taste, they may be spicy, salty and tangy.
Parsley is often seen on the side of your plate, but it should be used more than just for decoration. It makes a delicious addition to fish, chicken, lamb, soups and salads. It is a very versatile herb.
One popular herb is thyme, the leaves of a small woody-stemmed plant. Thyme works well in meat sauces, delicate soups, or hearty everyday dishes such as tuna casserole. Whether grilled meats or gourmet cheeses, nearly every imaginable food can benefit from a little added thyme.
When you're eating Italian food chances are you are enjoying basil. It is added to many dishes for improved flavor.
If you're looking for something a little more spicy, you might want to try aniseed. The oil of this tastes much like licorice, which is why it is used to make artificial licorice. Tarragon is related to this herb. The leaves of tarragon have a spicy flavor that can be used to add flavor to both fish and mayonnaise alike.
Growing culinary herbs is not a very difficult task at all. Soil, water and sunshine are really all they need, the same as any other type of herb. As a matter of fact, they are actually quite hardy and disease-resistant. Yes, growing your own herbs for cooking is really rather simple!
Another popular favorite is coriander seeds, which are derived from the cilantro plant. Porks and curries taste fantastic with a little zing from the citrusy coriander seed. Their mild and sweet zest creates delicious chutney, as well. Another herb with a bit of kick is dill. It lends itself perfectly to dressing up a plain old salad or for use in pickling. Added to chutney in combination with olive oil, it can't be beat.
Cooking makes heavy use of all the herbs that are derived from mint. Sage is one of the most popularly found in American kitchens, followed by rosemary. Peppermint is also great to add a zesty smell and taste to any dish. Any type of mint is a great complement to veal and potato dishes, soups, and even jellies and jams!
Saffron, a rarer herb, is used a lot in chicken and in fish dishes. It is also used in traditional Turkish rice pudding recipes. It is an adventurous spice with a beautiful color and a honey-like flavor with a kick.
Growing culinary herbs can benefit you in a number of ways. They can be an excellent addition to your cooking plus growing them can be a fun hobby in and of itself. Adding them to your cooking can transform an everyday meal into a culinary delight.
Lee Dobbins
Author Bio
To learn more about growing culinary herbs as well as get tips on basic herb gardening, please visit http://basicherbgardeningtips.com/
