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Make Flavors Pop with Fresh Herbs

Herbs, used for thousands of years, have played a key role in every major civilization, and are essential ingredients in every type of international cuisine. Culinary herbs are aromatic edible plants that are used in small amounts to add flavor to dishes ranging from savory to sweet. Most herbs are used for both culinary and medicinal uses and come from plants that may be used for their leaves as herbs, and also for their seeds as spices. Like fruits and vegetables, herbs contain protective polyphenols (plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects). They are a flavorful and healthy way to season foods, reducing the need for a lot of added salt. For those trying to improve their blood pressure and embrace a heart-healthy diet, fresh herbs are a great ingredient to explore!

How To Tips:

Keep Herbs Fresh and Flavorful

Herbs will keep for several days if you wrap them in a damp paper towel, then place in an airtight plastic bag and refrigerate. Herbs with roots last even longer if treated like a bouquet of flowers. Simply snip the ends and place in fresh water at room temperature, changing the water every few days.


Herbs can also be frozen for longer storage. Wash and dry herbs well, then seal in plastic bags or finely chop and freeze in ice cube trays with water. Add to soups and sauces for delicious flavor.

Clean, Prep and Cook

Clean fresh herbs by dunking them in a cold water bath, and gently swishing them in the water to remove any dirt. Shake off the excess water and carefully pat dry with paper towels.


Avoid crushing more delicate herbs by snipping with scissors or finely chopping with a well-sharpened knife. The more cut surfaces, the more flavor and aroma released. Strip off the leaves of herbs (like rosemary) that have woody stems.


Be sure to take food temperature into consideration when cooking with fresh herbs, since it impacts the amount of flavor released. While heat releases essential oils, the taste and aroma may fade rapidly. Prolonged cooking is therefore not recommended for most herbs, however, more robust herbs, like rosemary and bay leaf, work well in simmered dishes. Cold temperatures lessen the intensity of flavors and slow down the development of aromas, therefore, herbs need to be added to cold dishes several hours before serving so flavors can blend.


While herbs can bring out the flavor of a food, they can also overpower it. Less is more to start! More seasoning can always be added if needed. Dried herbs are also stronger than fresh - 1 teaspoon dried = 1 tablespoon fresh.


Simple Suggestions:

With so many ways to use fresh herbs, here are several from Oldways, a nonprofit dedicated to improving public health by inspiring individuals and organizations to embrace the healthy, sustainable joys of the “old ways” of eating—heritage-based diets high in taste, nourishment, sustainability, and joy.

Garlic Parmesan Herbed Butter

July 28, 2021
INGREDIENTS 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 3 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 2 T. chopped fresh chives ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. black pepper INSTRUCTIONS Place softened butter into a mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients, and combine thoroughly. Using a spatula, scoop out the butter into the center of a piece of plastic wrap, and form butter into a log. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.  *Place in an airtight container for packing in the cooler.

Herbed butters are also known as compound butters, and are used to enhance the flavor of other foods like breads, veggies, meat, poultry and seafood. They can be stored for several days well-wrapped or in a sealed container, and can also be frozen for 2 months.

Pesto

June 14, 2022
INGREDIENTS 2 cups fresh basil leaves Pinch of coarse salt 1-2 tsp finely chopped garlic 2 tbsp finely chopped pine nuts or walnuts 1 cup olive oil ½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese INSTRUCTIONS Strip basil leaves from their stems. Place basil, salt, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Cover and process until a paste forms, stopping several times to scrape down sides of the food processor/blender. If too thick, thin with additional olive oil. Add cheese and blend briefly. Pesto can be stored in an airtight container, covered by a layer of extra virgin olive oil, for a week in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, spoon pesto sauce into ice cube trays, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be removed from the trays and placed in a plastic freezer bag.

Originating in Italy, this popular sauce made with fresh basil is delicious served over hot pasta, veggies, in cold sauces, salads and dips.. 

Cilantro with its complex flavor is used in the marinade for these shrimp skewers with a kick. Cilantro resembles flat parsley but their flavor profiles are nothing alike so be sure you pick up the right one when purchasing.

Grilled Drunken Shrimp & Jalapeno Skewers

February 10, 2021
Prep 15 minutes · Grill 6 minutes · Serves 4

Greek Chicken Power Bowls

Fresh herbs are a staple in the Mediterranean Diet, and this recipe features three herbs popular to Greek cuisine- dill, oregano and basil. With so many nutrients, flavors, textures and colors in one dish, no wonder it’s called a power bowl! Get Recipe ->

Rosemary Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

December 22, 2020
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Were you surprised by the suggestion to add fresh herbs to desserts? Rosemary, a member of the mint family, but with a milder taste has an earthy pine-like flavor and enhances the flavor of cakes. Give this one a try, and see for yourself-the proof is in the cake!

Summer fruit and fresh basil pair beautifully with this citrusy, sparkling malt beverage for a delicious and refreshing cocktail perfect for poolside!

Summer Fruit Collins

May 18, 2022
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Check out these additional fresh and flavorful herbed cocktails for sipping!

Sip into Spring: Delightful Cocktails to Welcome the Season

February 27, 2024
For that special ‘la touche finale’ how about serving a deliciously light ginger and pear punch cocktail? Click here for this simple recipe.

Watermelon Panzanella Salad

This summer salad bursts with flavor with the addition of basil, and its undertones of mint, anise and pepper, and mint, with its sweet, refreshing and cooling taste profile. Get Recipe ->

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