Fresh Herbs

Fresh Herbs #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

The culinary joy of fresh herbs… where do I begin? Growing up, I learned so much about the art of cooking by observing and helping my mother cook. However, it was during my time at Johnson and Wales University working on my culinary degree, that I gained a detailed understanding of the different types of herbs and how they can enhance any dish. I love the diverse and fresh flavor brought to our plates through herbs. My dear friend Kirsten Cameron shared this fresh herb basket from her garden. What a thoughtful, and wonderful gift, by the way. So beautiful, so vibrant, so delicate, so bold, and so FABULOUS!!!  I couldn’t wait to get my culinary juices flowing with these amazing selections. Fresh herbs have a variety of uses in the kitchen and bring any dish to the next level. I have shared a bit of information about the herbs shared in the photographs below.

Sage

Fresh Sage #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

A range of flavors from mild to slightly peppery with a very pronounced flavor.  I love using fresh sage in my cornbread dressing.  This delicate herb, a beautiful, soft green, is slightly fuzzy when touched.  

Thyme

Fresh Thyme #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

A star of the show in the classic French flavoring herbs de Provence.  Similar to its friend rosemary, when prepping thyme you must strip the leaves from the woody stems.  Using the entire herb would infuse a much heavier flavor.  

Parsley

Fresh Parsley #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

More than just a garnish on a plate.  Flat parsley has a peppery bite, in comparison to curly leaf is basically bland, obviously a vast difference in texture.  Used in stocks, soups, stews, and finely chopped on top of a variety of recipes for a clean, light flavor. 

Rosemary

Fresh Rosemary #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

Strong, pine-like, fragrance, and flavor, rosemary is widely popular in Italian cooking. Rosemary pairs well with poultry, pork, fish, and vegetables… especially potatoes. Yum!!  

Storing Herbs

Fresh Herb Basket #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep #gift #herbbasket #howtostoreherbs

When storing herbs, trim the ends. Fill a glass or jar with an inch of water; place herbs in the jar. Loosely cover the herbs with plastic wrap, or plastic bag. There are also fabulous containers that are specific to storing herbs… a few of my favorites are: Cole & Mason Fresh Herb Keeper, Novart Glass Herb Keeper, and OXO GreenSaver Herb Keeper.

Store in the refrigerator. Change the water as needed. This method works well for cilantro, parsley, mint, dill, and tarragon.  For basil, use the same method, but uncovered on the countertop.  Another method I use is arranging the herbs in a single layer on a slightly damp paper towel.  Loosely roll up the herbs and transfer to a resealable plastic bag or plastic wrap.  Store in the refrigerator.  

If stored properly, some herbs can last up to three weeks. When herbs begin turning dark, wilted, brittle or show signs of mold, it’s time to discard. Below I’ve listed the average storage time for selected herbs. 

Three weeks:  parsley, dill, cilantro, tarragon, rosemary 

Two weeks:  mint, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, savory

One week:  chives 

Fresh Herbs #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep
Pin for later #pin #pinforlater #pinterest
Fresh Herbs #foodblogger #sage #thyme #herbs #cookingwithherbs #rosemary #parsley #chef #cooking #howtoaddflavor #mealprep

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let's Connect On Social