Although processed herbs are easily available on the market, fresh herbs from your garden can do wonders for your dishes. Fortunately, it’s very easy to grow cooking herbs in your kitchen or backyard.
Below, we’re going to explain the best herbs to grow for cooking (with how to grow). So, let’s dig in:
1. Basil
Basil is perhaps the most common and essential culinary herb. It’s known for its medicinal properties and soothing aroma. The plant has smooth pointed leaves, which are the edible part of the plant. It adds an amazing flavor to dishes.
Suitable for: Sauces, soups, salads, tea, sandwiches, and desserts. It also goes perfectly with shrimp, tomatoes, strawberries, pasta, and beef.
Click here to know how to grow basil.
2. Mint
Mint is another common herb for cooking. This extremely versatile herb can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. Mint leaves have a bit of peppery or lemony flavor but a cool after-taste. Its bright green, oval and pointy, slightly dented leaves can be used to garnish any dish.
Suitable for: Lamb, couscous, peas, zucchini, carrots, feta cheese, ice cream, tea, yogurt, chocolate, strawberries, mint juleps, and mojitos
Click here to know how to grow mint.
3. Dill
Loved for its feathery green leaves, dill boasts a fresh aroma and delicate flavor. Its light and soft leaves are very famous in Northern and Eastern Europe cuisines. Dill tastes grassy with a bit of licorice flavor.
Suitable for: Salmon, cream, vegetable soup, pickles, salads, and all kinds of cheese.
Click here to know how to grow dill.
4. Thyme
Tiny leaves of thyme smell earthy, lemony and pungent. These are distributed into sprigs, and you’ve to remove leaves from the stem when cooking. Thyme is a very common herb used for cooking in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries.
Suitable for: Pairing with eggplants, mushrooms, chicken, roasted vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, goat cheese, and other cooking herbs such as parsley, sage, oregano.
Click here to know how to grow thyme.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass can be used whole or chopped to lend a complex flavor and aroma to any dish. As a result, your dishes will have a simultaneously lemony, gingery, and floral aroma and taste.
Suitable for: Soups, teas, curries, and stews.
Click here to know how to grow lemongrass.
6. Coriander / Cilantro
Coriander has long been used to spice up a wide variety of vegetables, fish, rice, and meat dishes. Its unique and pronounced flavor can add zest to many hot and cold dishes.
Suitable for: Lemon or lime juice, salsa, soups,
Click here to know how to grow coriander.
7. Oregano
Compared to many other common herbs for cooking, oregano is more flavorful when used dried. Otherwise, it’s slightly bitter and pungent. Although oregano and marjoram look similar, oregano has a more potent aroma and taste, while marjoram is sweeter.
Suitable for: Lamb, tomatoes, poultry, olive oil, vinaigrette, kebabs, yogurt, pizza, and seafood dishes
Click here to know how to grow oregano.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is a green, tangy herb with a woody smell. The plant has needle leaves, which are silver-ish underneath and green on top. Its overpowering flavor is what makes it popular among chefs and homemakers.
Suitable for: Roasted chicken, garlic, apricot jam, roasted potatoes
Click here to know how to grow rosemary.
9. Chamomile
The chamomile flower is an ancient European herb with an herbal, sweet, and fresh aroma. You must be familiar with chamomile tea, which is traditionally drunk as a natural anxiolytic to calm the mind and body.
Suitable for: Flavoring jams, candies, ice cream, fish salad, risotto, liqueurs, soft breakfast cakes, biscuits, sweet creams
Click here to know how to grow chamomile.
10. Parsley
Parsley is a very popular herb known for its fresh herbal flavor and the quick flash of color it adds to cuisines. You must have seen it garnishing our plates when we dine out. This versatile herb can be paired with or added to literally any dish or drink to enhance its flavors, appearance, and aroma.
Suitable for: Grilled vegetables, cold green-bean salad, roasted potatoes, stews, pasta, soups, and hot or cold grain dishes.
Click here to know how to grow parsley.
11. Chives
Loaded with therapeutic properties, Chives are perennials that come from the onion family. It is filled with essential vitamins like vitamins A and C and is also rich in both choline and folate, which are ideal for improving memory functions.
Chives are commonly paired with other herbs such as tarragon, parsley, and chervil to create a French seasoning, or are used on their own to garnish dishes ranging from omelettes and devilled eggs to fish and salads.
Suitable for: Eggs, salads, soups, vegetables
Click here to know how to grow chives.
12. Sage
Sage leaves are large oblong-shaped leaves with a fuzzy white outer texture. Although you can easily find dried, minced, or rubbed sage in the spice aisle of any grocery store, fresh sage offers unbeatable aroma and flavor.
Suitable for: Seasoning poultry or sausage, winter squash recipes, and creamy pasta dishes
Click here to know how to grow sage.
So, I hope you found this post useful. Send me a note if you have other ones you like better.
