Cooking with fresh herbs is not only an excellent way to add flavor to a dish but also a way of incorporating essential nutrients that are picked straight from the plant, adding a healthy twist to your meals. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley can be used to enhance the aroma, color and taste of your favorite dishes. They offer a wide range of flavors that can transform any meal into a culinary delight. Here are some tips and ideas on how to cook with fresh herbs.
Harvesting Fresh Herbs
Before you start cooking with fresh herbs, you need to harvest them from your garden or the grocery store. When buying herbs from the store, ensure that they are vibrant in color, have a strong aroma, and are not wilted or yellowish. When harvesting from the garden, pick the herb leaves in the early morning before the leaves become too hot or wilted. Rinse the herbs before use to remove any dirt trapped between the leaves.
Using Fresh Herbs in Cooking
Whether cooking with dried or fresh herbs, the time and quantity of usage are essential. Fresh herbs are added towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and flavor. Unlike dried herbs, fresh herbs are mild, and it’s easy to add too much, making the dish overpowering to the taste. Use fresh herbs sparingly, especially if they have a strong flavor. Start by adding small amounts and gradually increase according to your taste. Use herb scissors to chop the herbs finely, giving them the desired texture.
Pairing Fresh Herbs with Food
Fresh herbs are versatile and can be used in almost any dish, from salads to soups, stews, marinades, and sauces. Pairing herbs with food requires knowledge of herbs’ flavors and aroma, and how they complement certain dishes. For instance, basil and oregano work well with Italian dishes, thyme adds flavor to roasted meats, rosemary pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, and cilantro is essential in Mexican and Asian cuisine.
Storing Fresh Herbs
Storing fresh herbs can be challenging, especially if you have an abundance in your garden or from the store. Herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley can be stored for a few days in a glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag over the leaves. Other herbs like thyme and rosemary can be stored in airtight containers or in the fridge wrapped in a damp cloth or paper towel. Avoid storing herbs near fruits like bananas or apples that produce ethylene gas, which can hasten their spoilage.
In conclusion, cooking with fresh herbs is an art that requires creativity and knowledge of herbs’ flavors and aroma. Using fresh herbs enhances the taste, texture, and aroma of any dish, bringing it to life. Try incorporating new herbs into your meals and experiment with different combinations to elevate your cooking game. With practice and patience, you’ll master the art of cooking with fresh herbs, and your taste buds will thank you.
