Herbs are the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant known for their strong aroma and are mostly used for garnishing, flavouring or medicinal purposes. There are so many herbs you can use in your everyday cooking. You can either grow them if you are into gardening or you can get dried herbs very easily in the market or online. Check out this list of 6 commonly available herbs you should definitely have in your kitchen and ways you can incorporate them in your cooking.
1. Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic perennial evergreen herb that has culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. Thyme is said to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and insecticidal properties. It is used in its fresh, dried form or in the form of essential oil. Thyme is mostly used in savoury dishes like braised and roasted meat, vegetables or fish. They also work great as added flavouring to soups, marinades, vegetable or chicken stock and even cocktails.
Shop for 100% natural dried thyme here.
2. Oregano
Now comes everyone's favourite and the most commonly used herb and a quick flavour enhancer if you are a noob to cooking- oregano. Oregano has been used for over thousand years in cooking and to treat health conditions. It mainly finds its use in Mediterranean cuisine but has become a house favourite in the past few years.
Check out this blog to know more about this famous pizza condiment.
Oregano helps in reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria and regulating blood sugar levels. Oregano oil can be used to treat acne, reduce dandruff, relieve of muscle and joint pain and so much more. It can be used extensively in making marinades for chicken, baked dishes, pizza, pasta and salads.
3. Basil
Basil is a flavourful, leafy green herb from the mint family. There are many varieties of basil, but the most common one is the holy basil. It is considered to be a rich source of Vitamin K, uplifts mood, improves blood sugar levels, cholesterol and has anti-bacterial properties. Although fresh basil has strong flavour, you can always use dried basil, which is convenient to use and easier to find. Basil forms an integral part of pesto, a creamy green sauce, which works great as a dip or sandwich spread. Another way to incorporate basil in your diet is adding it to salads.
Get your dried basil flakes here.
4. Mint
Mint is a perennial herb with very fragrant leaves. Mint leaves are rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, manganese, folate, and fiber. It can help in improving digestive problems like stomach pain, gas, bloating and indigestion. Consuming mint also helps in curing cold and flu-like symptoms. Just like other herbs, you can make dips and chutneys with mint leaves or you could add dried mint leaves as garnishes on raita, curries and beverages like mojitos and lemonades.
At Tassyam, we know about the benefits of mint and hence, our So Fermata Artisanal Mint Ginger Kombucha is packed with the flavour and goodness of mint leaves.
5. Parsley
Parsley is a herb native to the Mediterranean and is known to be beneficial in conditions like high blood pressure, allergies and inflammatory diseases. It can be used both as a fresh or dried herb.
Parsley is a rich source of anti-oxidants, contains nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium and folate. It supports good bone health and has anti-bacterial properties. You can use fresh parsley in marinades, as a dressing, in seafood and potato dishes, salads and tomato sauce.
Buy 100% natural dried parsley here.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that grows well in the sunny and warm climates of Asian and Mediterranean countries. It leaves are aromatic and sweet and its oil is extensively used in aromatherapy. It might help in improving mood and giving good sleep. Apart from that, rosemary also has anti-inflammatory properties and might also help in solving the problem of indigestion. You can add whole sprigs of rosemary in marinades, soups or while roasting chicken. Chopped rosemary is also added to breads or biscuit dough for added flavour. Let us know which is your favourite herb to use in the kitchen.