Fresh Herb Garden

Is it worth the effort to grow your own fresh herb garden? Are fresh herbs really that much better? There’s only one way to find out: try them for yourself. One way to do that is to grow them yourself. Fresh herb gardens have become even more popular in recent times. Either to save money, grow and consume organic produce or to simply have fun digging in the dirt, fresh herb gardening has been catching on.

Some herbs that give you a good return on your investment are some of the popular culinary ones such as basil, cilantro, rosemary, and thyme. Let’s take a closer look at what each one has to offer.

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) grows low to the ground producing luscious dark green leaves. These leaves can grow two or three inches long and are very aromatic. This herb grows into a bushy like appearance and can be anywhere from one or two feet high. Due to the many varieties of basil, the flowers and leaves it produces can vary in color. The leaves can be different shades of green from a gray-green, lime green, to a purple or brownish red, while the flowers are mostly white yet they can also be lavender. Basil is regularly used in Italian and Asian cuisines such as Thai. It is often cooked but may also be eaten raw, for example, julienned on top of a fresh tomato salad. The flavor varies slightly depending on the type of basil used; however it most often has a peppery and spicy flavor that can enhance an assortment of dishes.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a soft and feathery plant similar in appearance to parsley. It can grow up to 20 inches high and it produces seeds or fruit which is known as coriander, a spice used in many cuisines both in seed form or ground. Cilantro leaves have a distinct taste with some citrus nuances. They are often used in Asian cooking such as Chinese and Thai, and regularly used in Mexican dishes like salsas. Some freshly chopped cilantro added to a Thai coconut soup or a spicy Mexican salsa can make the difference between a so-so meal and a mouthwatering one.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a larger, bush like plant that grows sharp needle type leaves and can grow up to six feet tall outside or up to four feet high inside. One of the endearing qualities of rosemary is that the leaves are considered evergreen, staying green year long. This can make for a pretty plant to gaze upon in the wintertime. In addition rosemary also produces exquisite tiny flowers ranging in color from white to a pretty lavender shade. Abundant in Mediterranean cooking, it has a scent similar to pine. This flavor combines beautifully with many meats and vegetables, particularly in roasted dishes such as lamb.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a fragrant shrub which grows about one foot high. This perennial has many tiny branches and flowers in the summertime. Known best in French cuisine, it is an essential ingredient in the famous mixture of dried herbs knows as Herbes de Provence. Fresh thyme can be used as an elegant garnish or added to many dishes ranging from soups and stews to different meats such as veal, beef, and poultry.

There are many more fresh herbs commonly used in cooking, and if you’ve already discovered what a big difference fresh herbs can make in your dishes, be assured a fresh herb garden is not only worth the time and effort but it can also be easy to learn with minimal startup cost.