All About Herbs
Keany Produce welcomes you to our comprehensive guide on herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, herbs are an essential ingredient that can elevate any dish. In this guide, we delve into the fascinating world all about herbs, exploring their culinary uses and health benefits.
Herbs 101: The Essentials
Herbs are pivotal elements in cooking that enhance the flavor profile of a range of dishes. Derived from the leaves, stems, or flowers of plants, herbs are renowned for their savory and aromatic properties.
There is a broad spectrum of herbs, each with its distinctive flavor and culinary uses. Some commonly used herbs include basil, cilantro, dill, lavender, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Among these, lavender is known for its soothing aroma, while rosemary and oregano are praised for their robust flavors. Cilantro and chives, on the other hand, lend a fresh and vibrant taste to dishes.
Integrating herbs into your cooking offers a myriad of benefits. They add depth to dishes, enhancing the overall taste. The aromatic oils present in herbs infuse the food with enticing flavors, delivering a remarkable gastronomic experience.
Alongside boosting the flavor, herbs also pack various health benefits. Many herbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health. For instance, parsley is loaded with vitamin C, while rosemary boasts antioxidants that aid in combating inflammation.
Furthermore, herbs can act as a healthier substitute for salt or artificial flavorings. By integrating herbs into your cooking, you can cut down your sodium intake while still relishing deliciously seasoned meals.
At Keany Produce, we understand the importance of fresh and superior herbs in cooking. We are dedicated to sourcing the highest quality herbs straight from farmers and local growers, ensuring their quality and flavor. Browse through our selection of herbs and elevate your culinary experience!
Mastering the Art of Cooking with Herbs
Herbs are indispensable when it comes to flavoring your dishes. They not only intensify the taste but also add a fresh and aromatic essence to any recipe. This is why it is essential to know all about herbs. Here are some best practices, popular herb and food pairings, and tips to amplify flavors with herbs.
Key guidelines for cooking with herbs:
- Always choose fresh herbs for a more robust flavor.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste and aroma.
- Chop the herbs finely to release their essential oils and maximize their flavor.
- Experiment with different herb combinations, like cilantro and chives or lavender and rosemary, to discover your preferred flavor profile.
Classic herb and food pairings:
- Basil: Perfectly complements tomatoes, mozzarella, and pasta dishes in basil herb recipes.
- Opal Basil – Pound
- Basil – Pound
- Potted Fresh Living Basil – 6 ct
- Thai Basil: pairs well with ingredients like coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers; often used in Thai cuisine.
- Potted Fresh Living Thai Basil – 6 ct
- Thai Basil – Pound
- Rosemary: Pairs well with roasted meats, potatoes, and root vegetables.
- Rosemary – Pound
- Potted Fresh Living Rosemary – 6 ct
- Lavender: Adds a floral touch to desserts, teas, and cocktails.
- Oregano: Enhances the flavors of pizza, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes.
- Oregano – Pound
- Potted Fresh Living Oregano – 6 ct
- Thyme: Its earthy flavor pairs well with the mild taste of chicken, commonly used in roasts, stews, and marinades.
- Thyme – Pound
- Lemon Thyme – Pound
- Potted Fresh Living Thyme – 6 ct
- Mint: In mint herb recipes it’s refreshing flavor cuts through the richness of lamb dishes and pairs well with peas in salads, soups, and side dishes.
- Mint – Bunch
- Potted Fresh Living Mint – 6 ct
- Mint Tops – 4 oz
- Parsley: Adds a fresh and peppery taste that complements the delicate flavor of fish dishes. California Parsley, or curly parsley is commonly used for garnishes and has mild flavor. Italian Parsley, or flat-leaf parsley, is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisines and it preferred for its pronounced flavor and versatility.
- Cilantro: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes like salsa, guacamole, curries, and stir-fries.
- Cilantro – 30 ct
- Cello Cilantro – 4-1 lbs
- Potted Fresh Living Cilantro – 6 ct
- Chives: Works well as a garnish for soups, salads, and baked potatoes, and also in egg dishes.
- Chives – Pound
- Yellow Chives – Bunch
- Dill: Often paired with fish, particularly salmon, and used in pickling cucumbers in dill herb recipes.
- Dill – 24 ct
- Potted Fresh Living Dill – 6 ct
Tips to enhance flavors with herbs:
- Infuse oils or vinegars with herbs like rosemary or oregano for flavorful dressings or marinades.
- Create herb butter by mixing softened butter with your favorite herbs.
- Produce herb-infused salts or sugars to elevate your dishes.
- Use herb stems to flavor stocks and broths.
At Keany Produce, we understand the importance of fresh and superior herbs in your culinary endeavors. We offer a wide range of herbs and can source if you’re seeking something specific.
The Healthful Aspects of Herbs
Knowing all about herbs not only elevates your cooking skills, but also supports your health.
Herbs have been leveraged for centuries not only for their flavor-enhancing abilities but also for their numerous health benefits. Many herbs possess medicinal properties and are known to provide specific health benefits. Incorporating herbs like lavender, rosemary, oregano, cilantro, and chives into a healthy lifestyle can be an easy and effective way to promote overall well-being.
Herbs with medicinal properties:
Certain herbs have been traditionally used for their medicinal attributes. For example, lavender is known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties. Rosemary, on the other hand, is recognized for its antioxidant properties and potential to enhance memory and concentration.
Health benefits of well-known herbs:
Several popular herbs offer specific health benefits. Oregano is often used for its antibacterial properties. Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and may assist in detoxification. Additionally, chives have been linked to heart health and improved digestion.
Ways to incorporate herbs into a healthy lifestyle:
There are several ways to include herbs in your daily routine. Fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, lavender, rosemary, and oregano can be added to salads, soups, and stir-fries to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals. You can also steep herbs in hot water to make soothing herbal teas or use them to create homemade herb-infused oils and vinegars.
Check out our selection of fresh herbs and elevate your health and culinary game!