Fresh Herbs

By TPMay

Ingredients

• Basil
• to fragrant, slightly sweet herb is especially popular in Italian cooking. Because the leaves are delicate and easily bruised, it’s best to tear basil or use the leaves whole.
• Try It Out: Blended with olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan, basil is the star of pesto. It’s also a popular ingredient in tomato-based pasta sauces and on pizzas.
• Cilantro
• With long stems and wide, delicate leaves, cilantro has a distinct, pungent flavor that’s a favorite in Mexican and Asian cuisines. Cilantro is actually the leaves of the coriander plant, and it’s generally sold in bunches.
• Try It Out: Cilantro is right at home in guacamole and salsas. It’s also a favorite in spicy curries and Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls.
• Rosemary
• To woody herb has a thicker stem, needle-like leaves and a subtle pine scent. While some recipes call for whole sprigs of rosemary, most use just the leaves. To easily remove the leaves from the stem, pull them away in the opposite direction they grow.
• to It Out: Rosemary is a classic choice for flavoring meats — in marinades, stews and on the grill. It also adds great taste to roasted potatoes, parsnips and carrots.
• Mint
• The leaves have a minty, sweet flavor with a cool, fresh aftertaste. Mint actually contains menthol, which is responsible for the plant’s distinct aroma.
• to It Out: Mint is a delicious addition to cold citrus drinks and hot teas, where it steeps and releases its flavor. You can even toss torn mint leaves into fruit salads. It’s also popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Oregano
• Try It Out: Oregano is a mainstay in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta. It’s also used in Greek cooking and complements both red meat and fish.
• Parsley
• Try It Out: Both varieties can add color and flavor as a garnish. Flat-leaf parsley is also delicious stirred into soups, stews and pasta.

Preparation

Step 1

Fresh herbs are one of the simplest ways to take your cooking from good to great. The freshness and unbelievable flavor can make any meal feel extra special. While these six herbs look similar at first glance, each has a distinct taste. If you’re new to cooking with herbs, let your nose be your guide. The scent can help you determine which dishes it will complement — for example, fresh oregano sprinkled over pasta. The strength of the smell can even help you determine how much or how little to add.
Fresh herbs offer more delicate flavor than dried ones, which tend to be concentrated. So when you use them, you’ll need a little extra — generally the ratio is about 3:1 when substituting fresh for dried herbs.
Tip: To maximize the flavor and life of fresh-cut herbs, wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.