Fresh herbs are an excellent addition to your cooking. They are easy to grow and are full of flavor. Fresh herbs are also available at many supermarkets now. Herbs are an easy way to add great flavor to your cooking creations without adding extra calories or chemicals. With home growing kits available, as well as a large selection of fresh herbs in the produce section of your local supermarket, it has never been easier to make use of fresh herbs instead of dried powders.
Selecting Fresh Herbs
Buying fresh herbs is just like buying fresh vegetables. You are looking for bright leaves without any wilting or dried out parts. The herbs you select should have a nice aroma, enough that you can smell it easily. As herbs get older, they lose much of their aroma and bright color. Not only do they lose their color and aroma, but their flavor as well. Pick out the freshest herbs that you can, and when you get home from the store rinse them with water. After rinsing them off, put them back in the plastic package if they came in one, or store them in your refrigerator wrapped up in a paper towel. If you are growing herbs at home, then you are all set as far as storage and freshness. Just pick off what you need and use it immediately in your cooking and you will have the freshest herbs possible.
Using Fresh Herbs
Depending on the herb and food you are preparing, herbs of some sort can be added to almost any dish. Fresh herbs can be added to any recipe instead of dried herbs. A good rule of thumb is that one tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs equals approximately 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Add fresh herbs a little at a time to your cooking. Taste your dish and keep adding a small amount of herbs at a time until you get it just right. You will get better at gauging the effects and power of fresh herbs as you use them more in your cooking.
Not Just For Cooking
Fresh herbs can be used without cooking them, just like any other vegetable can be. Parsley for instance is used as a garnish in many dishes raw. It also works well as a palate cleanser. Mint is great in teas, to complement many fruit and dessert dishes, as well as ice cream. One of the best herbs to eat without cooking is basil. Basil goes well with anything having tomatoes, and also goes well with some cheeses, such as mozzarella. Basil can also be made into pesto by adding pine nuts, and olive oil.
Overall, fresh herbs are a great idea if your into cooking at all. They are healthier and fresher than the dried varieties, and can bring your cooking to the next level. Just jump right in and start trying them whenever you get a chance, your cooking will thank you for it.
