A Dietitian's Guide to Using Your Garden Herbs
Spring has sprung! Which means it’s finally time to start getting our hands down & dirty in the garden. Thinking about what to plant first? Try herbs!
Herbs are some of the easiest and most popular plants to grow at home as they grow relatively well both indoors and outdoors, give off a wonderful smell, and can be used to transform any simple dish into a delicacy. Herbs also make great additions to any type of dish — whether they are fresh or dried, herbs are packed with antioxidants and often serve as a great way to replace added salt or sugar in home cooked recipes.
Get inspired with all these tricks for making the most out of your garden herbs.
1. Fresh herbs
Fresh herbs are often used for their texture as well as their flavour. To make them more fragrant, try chopping up your herbs finely. Fresh herbs are best used in cold dishes such as salads and dips, or in hot dishes as a garnish. Unlike dried herbs and spices, some fresh herbs like basil and parsley can be used as vegetables in certain dishes.
Here are some great recipes to try at for your next dinner party:
To help add more flavour to basic foods...
For something fresh, tasty & quick-to-serve…
To inspire a main meal…
2. Dried herbs
Herbs can be preserved dry for months if they are stored adequately. After washing them well, pat them dry and spread them out on a baking sheet with the dehydrator setting in your oven for two to four hours, or hang them upside down in bundles at room temperature until they are perfectly dry. Afterwards, store them in airtight containers and in a cool dry place in your pantry.
Unlike fresh herbs, dried herbs are mostly used in hot dishes. Dried herbs and spices are best used at the beginning of a recipe as they help to transform the aromas of an entire dish by flavouring all the ingredients together. Here are some great ways to incorporate them into your homemade recipes:
Dried herbs can also be used to make seasonings and spice mixes, or even to infuse water for tea.
Thyme to grow some herbs!
It goes without saying that garden herbs are versatile, easy to use and delicious kitchen ingredients. Not only is growing your own herbs cost-efficient, but it also helps to reduce your food waste. If you’re feeling creative, herbs are also fantastic for non-food uses, such as for making soaps, scrubs and fragrances. To make the most out of your garden herbs, try to always have both fresh and dried herbs on hand.
What are some of your favourite ways to make use of your garden herbs?
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