There are numerous wonderful culinary herbs that it’s difficult to pick just five for our list, but here they are:
1. Basil. The scent of basil when gently rubbed between your fingers is strong and heavenly. For pasta lovers this herb should be tops. It reminds us of long, relaxing summer days and it is especially good with fresh garlic, crushed black pepper, big cuts of mozarella, generous slices of juicy beef tomatoes all drizzled with an oil and vinegar dressing. And let’s not forget pesto sauce! Basil is the main ingredient there. Basil not only complements Italian food but also American and Thai cuisines.
2. Lavender. Our favorite herb blend is Herbes De Provence and lavender helps make up this delightful mix, along with fennel. thyme, savory and others. It’s great on grilled food, especially fish, and in veggie soups and meaty stews too. Not only is lavender for eating, it helps us de-stress. Lavender helps relax the body, so a lavender bouquet by your pillow will help you have a great night’s sleep!
3. Dill. Great with pickles! And it’s perfect with salmon. It’s decorative and delicious!
4. Rosemary. This herb can grow very large! This shrub that can be tamed into mini culinary Christmas trees - a perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook. It smells heavenly too and it’s a perfect accompaniment for tomatoes and grilled veggies, soup and meat.
5. Cilantro rounds out our top five. It has a very different aroma and certainly livens up a dish. It’s the perfect herb for pico de galloand basically any Mexican dishes!
So many herbs are available that it’s hard to pick just five top herbs. Growing herbs can be a fun pastime, so if you’ve ever fancied the idea of a herb garden then try growing these five You will then have a mix of herbs to enhance your dishes that are within easy reach, for whatever type of dish you are making.