On National Herbs and Spices Day, we are thinking about great ways to enjoy endless amounts of fresh herbs from home. If you don’t already have one, you should consider growing your own herb garden! This is a great way to save money on fresh herbs at the store, increase your creativity with food, and offer natural fragrance to your patio for the summer!

Windowsill Herb Garden: Take advantage of unused space on your windowsill by placing small pots or containers with herbs near a window that gets some sun. Choose herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or thyme that do well indoors. Tip: make sure there’s enough drainage in your pot by adding pebbles or gravel to the bottom of your containers!

Vertical Herb Garden: If you have limited space, consider creating a vertical herb garden. Use a hanging planter or repurpose a shoe organizer with pockets to plant herbs. Hang it on a wall or the back of a door where it gets some sun. This method maximizes space and keeps herbs easily accessible.

Indoor Herb Garden Kit: Purchase an indoor herb garden kit that includes everything you need to grow herbs, such as pots, seeds, and a growing medium. Follow the instructions provided and enjoy fresh herbs in no time.

Herb Pots or Containers: Choose pots or containers with enough drainage and size for the specific herbs you want to grow. Place them in your preferred location, such as a balcony or patio, where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Remember to water them regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Hydroponic Herb Garden: Consider a hydroponic system if you want to grow herbs without soil. Hydroponics is a phrase that means growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of dirt. You can set up a small hydroponic herb garden using a kit designed for home use. An easy beginner method to hydroponic gardening is to take the base and roots from store bought green onions and put them in a jar – within a week or so you’ll have your own onion growing before your eyes.

Remember to research the specific needs of each herb you choose to grow, such as sunlight requirements, watering frequency, and soil preferences. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful supply of fresh herbs right at home.

Using fresh herbs instead of dry spices may be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how to use them. Don’t let unfamiliarity keep you from using them – fresh herbs can add vibrant flavors and aromatic profiles to your dishes. Here are some general guidelines for using fresh herbs effectively:

Substitution ratio: In general, you’ll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to the amount of dried herbs called for in a recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, you would use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano.

Timing: Fresh herbs are more delicate than their dried counterparts, so it’s best to add them toward the end of the cooking process. This will help preserve their flavors and prevent them from becoming bitter or losing their aroma.

Preparation: Wash the fresh herbs under cold water and pat them dry gently with a paper towel or kitchen cloth. Remove any tough stems or discolored leaves. Chop or mince the herbs just before using them to maintain their freshness.

Flavor profiles: Each herb has its own unique flavor profile, so it’s important to consider the taste you want to achieve in your dish. Here are some common herbs and their flavor characteristics:

Basil: Sweet, slightly peppery

Cilantro: Fresh, citrusy

Parsley: Bright, grassy

Rosemary: Woody, pine-like

Thyme: Earthy, lemony

Oregano: Robust, slightly bitter

Mint: Cool, refreshing

Garnishing: Fresh herbs are amazing for garnishing dishes – adding a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle chopped herbs on top of scrambled eggs, avocado toast, stir fry, soup, or really any dish just before serving.

Experimenting with fresh herbs can be a fun way to connect with food in a different, neutral way. Enjoy your time exploring new flavors and finding the blend that you prefer!

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