Herbs, those lovely green plants loaded with lots of homegrown flavor are easy to grow in pots, windowboxes, or in an herb garden. You can also buy them fresh from the grocery or farmer's market or by mail or opt for dried herbs too. All herbs have a distinctive aroma, flavor and texture--though they don't offer any nutritional value because we eat them in such small quantities.

If growing them in an herb garden, depending upon where you live, some herbs are perennials and will return year after year.  That's the case with oregano, sage, chives and mint in my garden at home.  Each year I plant annual herbs such as basil, parsley, and thyme since the harsh Minnesota winters don't seem to invite them back again each spring. They mix well with flowers and other plants, so be creative with placement.  Here are some photos of some of my herbs:

       Basil                                 Fresh Mint                              Thyme

SELECTING HERBS
Easy to work with, chopped fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs in a recipe.  Just triple the amount if using fresh. Try experimenting with individual herbs and combinations.  To help you select what herb (or herbs) to use, taste and smell the leaves—some herbs have bolder flavors than others. Snip herbs with kitchen scissors for a simple garnish to top salads, pasta, soup, veggies and more. You may find that with the accent on herbal flavor, you’ll actually desire less fat in recipes--good news for your health and waistline.

STORING HERBS
Store fresh herbs by wrapping stems in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Basil, parsley and cilantro can be kept fresh for up to a week in a refrigerated container of water (about two inches). Place a plastic bag over the herbs and hold in place with a rubber band around the neck of the jar. Basil should stand at room temperature first before refrigerating, as leaves may blacken.

Try our Greek Chicken Pizza with fresh basil, Thai Chicken Soup with fresh cilantro, or Thyme-Roasted Turkey!  No garden space?  You can grow herbs indoors too. Please write and let me know what herbs you grow, and how you use them.