A Fresh Guide to Fresh Herbs
Posted on August 10, 2016 under cooking, fresh herbs, healthy recipes, herbs, Massel bouillon and seasoning, spring
Fresh herbs can kick any home-cooked dish up a notch, whether you spread some basil pesto on a hot panini or sprinkle some parsley onto your pasta. Even better, you can grow fresh herbs in your own backyard so you’ll never be short delicious flavors for your next meal. Here’s our guide to the best fresh herbs, from flavors to planting to cooking. We’ve even included some of our favorite Massel meals to get you started!
Basil
Flavor: anise-like flavor and clove-like aroma.
Planting: Sow indoors in the early spring, then transplant outdoors at least two weeks after danger of frost has passed.
Uses: Pesto, a finishing touch on pasta dishes or stuffed into sandwiches. Several medical uses — deodorizer, anti-arthritic, topical antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insect repellent.
Massel meal: Beard + Bonnet‘s Banging Kale Basil Sauce
Cilantro
Flavor: Pungent, herbaceous flavor.
Planting: Sow seeds directly indoors during spring or summer.
Uses: Used in many Caribbean, Latin American and Asian dishes. Also makes an excellent seasoning for meats and salsa.
Massel meal: Easy Vegan Ceviche
Oregano
Flavor: Robust, somewhat lemony.
Planting: Sow indoors, then move outdoors in early spring.
Uses: Often used in Greek-style dishes. Makes an excellent seasoning for egg dishes, meats, poultry, legumes and breads.
Massel meal: Massel’s Guide to Marinades
Parsley
Flavor: Light and grassy.
Planting: Sow indoors, then move outdoors in early spring.
Uses: A great addition to spice up your veggie dishes.
Massel meal: Baked Tomatoes
Rosemary
Flavor: Strong and piney.
Planting: Sow indoors, then move outdoors in the spring.
Uses: Add it to fish, lamb or chicken. Also great with eggs, beans and potatoes.
Massel meal: Beef or Pork in Balsamic Marinade
Sage
Flavor: Pine-like flavor, with lemony and eucalyptus notes.
Planting: Sow indoors, then move outdoors in the spring.
Uses: Makes an excellent seasoning in sauces, poultry dressing and many sausage recipes. Also produces edible flowers which make a great addition to salads and desserts.
Massel meal: Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Thyme
Flavor: Pungent, woodsy flavor.
Planting: Sow indoors, then move outdoors in early spring.
Uses: Great as an all-purpose seasoning. Try it as a flavoring in stocks, soups and sauces.
Massel meal: French Onion Dip