Herbs have many uses beyond the usual salad addition. You can grow a variety of herbs in your garden to use for cooking. Each type has different flavors and textures that make them great for different dishes or as an added finishing touch to other foods. Some herbs are used as garnishes, but these plants also have culinary purposes.
Basic Herbs
1. Basil
This herb is a part of the mint family. It has a mild flavor and is used in pesto and pizza. It is used in Italian dishes, curries, and tomato sauces.
2. Chives
This herb is in the onion family. It has a mild onion flavor and is used in soups, salads, and potatoes. It is also used in cheese dishes.
3. Cilantro
This herb is in the carrot family. It has a peppery flavor and is used in tacos, salads, and salsas.
4. Mint
This herb is in the pepper family. It has a strong, refreshing flavor and is used in Mediterranean dishes, desserts, and drinks. It is also used in savory dishes like lamb.
5. Oregano
This herb is in the mint family. It has a strong flavor and is used in Italian dishes, soups, and stews.
6. Parsley
This herb is in the carrot family. It has a mild flavor and is used in Italian dishes, salads, and stews.
Reduce Salt Without Disguising the Taste
Herbs are a great way to add flavor to your food while reducing the amount of sodium in your diet. Many herbs have a strong flavor that can be used to replace salt. You can also use herbs to season food without adding salt. Here are some ways you can reduce the amount of sodium in your diet by choosing herbs instead of salt:
1. Start with fresh herbs, not dried ones.
Fresh herbs taste better and have more nutrients. It is also easier to measure them out. Dried herbs lose their flavor when added to a recipe.
2. Add herbs towards the end of the cooking process.
Adding herbs at the beginning of the cooking process can cause the flavors to be more mild.
3. Try new herbs that you might not have used before.
Experimenting with different herbs can help you expand your cooking skills and find new flavors to enjoy.
Conclusion
Herbs can be used in many different ways. You can add them to your dishes at the beginning or the end of cooking. You can use them to garnish your dish, such as a salad. There are many different types of herbs that can be used for many different dishes. To get the most flavor out of your herbs, you should get them fresh from the store whenever possible. You should also make sure to properly store your herbs so they stay fresh longer. You can also freeze fresh herbs for later use.
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