It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie cook or a trained chef, if you cook, you know how important herbs are in the kitchen. In fact, even if you know nothing about cooking and are just a foodie you understand the significance of herbs in food. Fresh herbs are an amazing addition to dishes you prepare and can be used in a multitude of different ways including in drinks! But the hard part is procuring good quality herbs. This is why we recommend growing your own!
Now you must be wondering if growing your own herbs is even worth the hassle. Or you must be thinking what benefit there could be to growing your own as opposed to just buying them. Well here’s why-
- Very, very fresh- When you grow your own herbs, you can wait to cut them right when you need them. Which means the herb does not get dried out, brittle, or stale before being used.
- Easier on your wallet- When you plant in your own home, you will find that it’s a much more inexpensive way of keeping your spice cabinet stocked than store-bought herbs. Not to mention it’s completely organic.
- Your food will taste better and have more variety- Not much else can beat the freshness and flavour and finishing touch that herbs add to food. Here are some herbs that you absolutely MUST try growing on your own this summer season!
Lavender- First on the list is this aromatic beauty. This edible plant can be utilised to flavour baking products as well as to make some excellent lavender tea which has a host of health benefits including fixing digestive issues like vomiting, nausea, and gas. Lavender needs the sun and a well-drained soil to grow and it needs to be regularly pruned.
Parsley- One of the easier herbs to grow by yourself, Parsley can be grown year-round. Parsley can be used in a range of purees, sauces, dips along with dishes like pastas, salads, meat, and vegetables.
Chamomile- Growing Chamomile in your mini-garden has an aesthetic value because it looks pretty and it also is very useful. Add it to your tea and enjoy its numerous benefits such as- improving quality of sleep, better immunity, and aiding digestion. Chamomile, once established, requires very little attention or maintenance.
Basil- The bright leaves of Basil and bold, sweet aroma compliment summer dishes really well! This fragrant herb requires the sun and well-drained soil and being pruned regularly. They are very easy to grow and can be used in salads, basil pesto sauce, marinades and make wonderful tea!
Thyme- Thyme is very adaptable so you can sow it in the ground or even a container with a limited, sheltered exposure to light. Thyme can be a wonderful addition to most meals and is even used to flavour cheeses, lentils, and to make tea.
Peppermint- Another wonderful pick for your home garden. It’s easy to grow and very low maintenance as it requires just a little bit of water and sun. You can make a very refreshing peppermint tea or even add it to dishes. In fact, you can add it to bath water for a very relaxing, invigorating bath!
Rosemary- Rosemary is a very resilient option because it requires next to no attention. It can pretty much take care of itself. Plant them and place them in the sun and forget about them. Rosemary has a strong aroma and can be used in a variety of dishes, soups, salads, and stews. It goes well with mushrooms and potatoes and grains.
Dill- Last on the list, Dill grows especially well during the summer season specifically. Dill is actually very useful and is used widely in Indian cooking and to cater to the Indian palette. It is used in soups, salad dressings, pickles, and even bread.
Not only are herbs easy to grow but also help take your cooking to the next level. Try growing your own and you will notice the difference in freshness and flavour. Oh and not to mention that it’ll help you exercise your green thumb!