Herbs are a great way to add flavor to any dish, and they also come with many health benefits. Growing your own herbs at home can be fun and rewarding, plus you can save money in the process. But which herbs should you grow? Here are seven must-have herbs to grow and use at home. These herbs are easy to grow and have a variety of uses, so they are the perfect choice for home gardeners. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these herbs and how to grow them.
1. Basil
Basil is an incredibly popular herb that is often used to flavor dishes in Italian, Southeast Asian, and American cuisines. It has a sweet, pungent flavor that adds a distinctive aroma and taste to your recipes. You can grow basil in a sunny spot in your garden or in containers indoors. Basil plants need plenty of water and fertilizer during the growing season, but be sure not to over-water them as this can lead to root rot.
To use basil in your cooking, it is best to add it at the end of the cooking process, as heat will cause the flavor to dissipate. Basil pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, chicken, and fish dishes. Try adding some chopped fresh basil leaves to pastas, salads, pizzas, or soups for an extra burst of flavor. Dried or powdered basil can also be used in baking and as a seasoning for meats.
2. Cilantro
Cilantro, or Coriander, is a must-have herb for any home garden. This bright and flavorful herb is easy to grow, but does require some regular maintenance and care. Cilantro prefers full sun and well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Make sure you water regularly, but don’t let it sit in too much moisture as this can lead to root rot. Harvest cilantro just before it flowers by snipping the leaves as needed.
It has a distinct flavor that is popular in Mexican, Indian and Asian cuisine. It is often used to add a bright flavor to curries, stews, and salsa. The leaves are also used to make pesto and chimichurri sauces. Cilantro leaves can also be used fresh in salads, sandwiches and smoothies. The fresh leaves have a milder flavor than the dried form of cilantro, so they are best used raw.
You can also save the seeds of your cilantro plants to use as coriander. To do this, allow the flowers to dry on the plant and then harvest the seeds when they become brown and dry. You can then toast them in a skillet for a few minutes before grinding them into a powder for use in a variety of recipes.
Whether you’re using the leaves or seeds of cilantro, it’s sure to add a delicious flavor to your cooking!
3. Chives
Chives are one of the most popular herbs to grow and use at home. These herbaceous perennials have thin, hollow leaves that have a mild onion-like flavor and aroma. They can be grown from seed or from divisions from an existing plant.
Chives can be harvested throughout the growing season, although they are best when harvested in spring before they bloom. The leaves can be snipped off with scissors or harvested in bunches. They can be used fresh or dried. When fresh, they are a great addition to salads, soups, omelets, and more. Dried chives are great for adding flavor to sauces, dressings, and other dishes.
When planting chives, make sure to give them plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. In hotter climates, provide some shade to keep them from drying out too much. Mulching around the base of the plants will also help retain moisture and protect their roots from the cold.
Chives are a great addition to any herb garden and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. With their mild onion flavor and attractive purple flowers, they make a wonderful addition to any dish!
4. Mint
Mint is a must-have herb to have in your home garden. It is one of the most versatile and popular herbs and can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a refreshing, cool flavor and aroma that adds a wonderful taste to a variety of dishes. In the kitchen, it can be used in salads, soups, drinks, sauces, and desserts.
When growing mint, it’s important to note that it’s an aggressive herb that likes to take over its environment, so it’s best to plant it in a pot or contained area. It’s also important to water it frequently, as it does not like to dry out. In terms of harvesting, simply pinch off the stem tips to get more growth from the plant.
As far as medicinal use, mint has been used for centuries to help soothe the digestive system and fight off colds and flu. You can drink mint tea with honey or add fresh mint leaves to salads for a boost of vitamin C. Additionally, you can make an herbal oil using mint leaves and extra-virgin olive oil that can be applied topically to relieve skin irritation and muscle pain.
Mint is easy to grow, smells great, and adds flavor to many dishes. If you’re looking for an herb that packs a punch and has numerous health benefits, then mint is the perfect choice for you!
5. Oregano
Oregano is a flavorful and fragrant herb that can be used in many different dishes. Native to the Mediterranean, oregano is a popular herb in Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is often used as an ingredient in tomato sauces, soups, and stews.
Oregano can be grown indoors or outdoors, and it does best in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. The plant will reach about 18 inches in height, and it produces small white flowers that attract pollinators like bees. To grow oregano successfully, make sure to water it regularly and cut back its leaves when they become dry and brown.
When it comes to using oregano in your cooking, you can use either fresh or dried leaves. Fresh oregano is best added to dishes near the end of cooking since its delicate flavor can quickly dissipate with heat. If you’re using dried oregano, add it to dishes at the beginning of cooking to give it enough time to rehydrate and release its flavors.
In addition to being a tasty culinary ingredient, oregano is also known for its medicinal properties. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it great for relieving sore throats and upset stomachs. You can make a healing tea by adding fresh or dried oregano leaves to hot water and sweetening it with honey.
Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced chef, oregano should be at the top of your list of must-have herbs to grow and use at home. With its unique flavor and potential health benefits, this fragrant herb is sure to add some extra pizzazz to all your meals!
6. Parsley
Parsley is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. This herb has a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a light, fresh aroma. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, making it great for adding extra nutrition to your meals. To grow parsley at home, start with a container with drainage holes, fill it with soil and sow seeds directly into it. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and in a few weeks you should have plenty of healthy parsley ready for harvesting! Regarding using parsley in cooking, it’s best to add it near the end of cooking as its delicate flavor can easily be overwhelmed by other ingredients. You can use it to garnish salads, soups, and sauces, or to add flavor to roasted vegetables, grains, and egg dishes. Parsley also makes a great addition to marinades, pesto, and dressings.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is an incredibly versatile herb that is easy to grow at home. It has an unmistakable pine-like flavor that enhances many different types of dishes. It can be grown in a container or in the ground, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
When growing rosemary, make sure to choose a spot with good drainage and full sun exposure. This herb requires little maintenance but will require occasional pruning to keep it looking its best.
It is most commonly used as a seasoning for roasted meats, soups, stews, and vegetables. It also makes a great addition to many sauces and dressings. You can also infuse rosemary into oil to create an aromatic cooking oil or use it to make a flavorful tea.
No matter how you use it, rosemary is an essential herb for your garden and kitchen. Its fresh flavor and aroma are sure to take your cooking to the next level.
