Herbs are used for flavoring and enriching the flavor and/or odor of foods. Different parts of the plant are used for different flavors. Leaves, seeds, fruits, buds, barks, or roots are commonly used.
Besides helping flavor foods, herbs can offer extra benefits of helping to reduce the use of salt. Research is finding many culinary herbs (both fresh and dried) have antioxidants. See medicinal uses of herbs.
When harvesting herbs from your own garden the ideal time for picking is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets hot. This ensures the best flavor and storage quality. Or you can purchase herbs close to the time you plan to use them.
Wash herbs when you are ready to use them. Wash smaller amounts of herbs thoroughly under running water. Shake off water; pat off any remaining moisture with clean paper towels.
Fresh herbs are usually added toward the end in cooked dishes to preserve their flavor. Dried herbs are most often added at the beginning of the cooking process.
The flavor of certain herbs naturally pair with the flavor of other foods. Take a look at some ideas to help you start combining fresh herbs with your foods.
Herbal vinegars are easy to make and are wonderful culinary compliments. They can be used in a variety of ways, and especially in any recipe that calls for vinegar. They can be used as flavorings added to sauces or directly to the dish itself, and as a dip for crusty breads.
Typically red and white wine vinegar and rice vinegar are the most often used. White vinegar has a sharper taste than red, white wine and rice vinegar, but is still an excellent choice with some herbs. Cider Vinegar is also used and has a taste of its own. Make sure to experiment with flavors as it has a tendency to overpower the herbs.
To make flavored herbed vinegar use three or four 2 inch sprigs of fresh herb per cup of vinegar. If using dried herbs, use 1/4 cup of herb per cup of vinegar. If using hot peppers, garlic, use 1 garlic clove or 1 pepper per cup of vinegar. Place the herbs in sterilized jars or decorative bottles. Slowly heat the vinegar, but don’t boil it. Let it cool down, and then pour the warm Vinegar over the herbs in the jars. Place the jars in a dark place. The vinegar can be used in 3-4 weeks or up to a year later. Have fun experimenting with different variations of herbs and vinegars. Here are a few to try:
Rice Vinegar – garlic, dill, savory, sage, rosemary, parsley, basil, tarragon, and thyme
Cider Vinegar – lovage, lavender flowers, raspberries
White Wine Vinegar – chive, dill, garlic, savory, sage, borage, basil, lavender flowers, fennel, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme
Red Wine Vinegar – garlic, oregano, thyme, basil
Herbal Oils are easy to make and are wonderful culinary compliments. They can be used as marinades, flavorings added to sauces, directly to the dish itself. And you can use it as a dip for crusty breads.
To make an herb-infused oil: Place cleaned and chopped fresh herbs, about ½ cup or (one half the amount if using dried herbs into a non-metal pan with one cup of oil. (Olive, peanut, safflower, or sunflower oil is commonly used.) Gently saute the herbs in the oil until it’s fragrant and warm. Saute gently and do not boil the mixture. Cool and then strain.
For serving place in decorative bottles, and store in the refrigerator. Oil is best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Avoid un-refrigerated use since there are no preservatives. Oil and herb proportions can be adjusted to intensity and taste. Try the following oil/herb combinations:
