Herbs Put Magic Into Cooking!
When we plant our garden we put in some herbs--or even an
entire herb garden. Dried herbs are no match for those freshly
picked. Even herbs purchased fresh at the grocery store or
farmers market have lost some of their essences by the time
they're sold. We primarily use Mediterranean herbs. Their
leaves flavor everything that Sue cooks!
Mediterranean herbs also add beauty to home gardens and are
some of the most rewarding plants you can grow. Most herbs are
perennials, with the exception of basil and parsley, which
should be planted new each year. They prefer to be planted in
full sun and watered regularly with the rest of the garden, but
most tolerate drought and less than perfect soil.
Mediterranean herbs add some of the best flavorings for many
foods and drinks, imparting a complex array of tastes that can't
be matched by most other kitchen seasonings. The fragrance of
fresh picked herbs stimulates the senses with their complex oils
that can dissipate once they dry out.
Basil (sweet, Greek, purple)
Leaves taste somewhat like anise with a strong,
fragrant, sweet smell. Bushy plant grows 18-24" tall (depending
on variety).
Lavender (English)
Aromatic leaves add a subtle floral flavor to honey,
marinades, and desserts. Mounding plant to 2 feet tall and wide.
Oregano (Greek
Leaves have a spicy flavor that's strongest if
harvested when plant is in bud before flowering. Plant grows
18-36" tall.
Parsley (Flat-leafed)
Fresh sprigs and minced leaves are a classic garnish
but have superior flavor when cooked. The bush plant grows
12-18" tall.
Sage (Garden)
Aromatic leaves are used to flavor stews and stuffing.
Some varieties have variegated foliage. Shrubby plant grows
12-36" tall.
Thyme (English)
Leaves add flavor to meats, stews, and tomato-based sauces. Also
produces beautiful flowers. Spreading plant 6-12" tall.
Chives
Round, hollow, grass-like leaves with a distinct
onion-type flavor. Often used as a garnish. Clumping plant that
grows 8-10" tall.
Marjoram (Sweet)
Tiny gray leaves have a floral scent and milder flavor
than Greek oregano. Plant grows 12-24" tall.
Parsley (Curly)
The most common parsley, used most often as a garnish.
The bushy plant grows about 12" tall.
Rosemary
Short, narrow leaves add an intense peppery flavor to
grilled meat, especially lamb. Upright or spreading plants 1-6'
tall (depending on variety)
Tarragon (French)
Thin, aromatic leaves are a classic flavoring for chicken and
egg dishes. The plant grows 18-24" tall.
Thyme (Lemon)
Leaves have a lemon fragrance to brighten flavor of dishes and
vinegars. Spreading plant to 6-12" tall.