June 10th is the National observance honoring Herbs and Spices. Have you been told you should reduce the sodium in your diet? If so, check out this blog for suggestions for pairing herbs and spices with common foods.
Basil Herb Bowl
Are you new to growing or using herbs? Start with a plant or two (or seeds) that you plan to use and grow your herb garden from there. Basil, Oregano, Cilantro, Rosemary, Parsley, Thyme & Sage are all relatively easy to grow. You can combine several plants into one pot for your own kitchen herb pot.
Basil is a very easy and versatile herb. There are several varieties of this herb. This easy-to-grow herb makes a beautiful planter – just place several varieties in a flowerpot to make a basil herb bowl.
Not sure which spices to use? Check out this fact sheet from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Plan to use more fresh herbs in your recipe if you are substituting for dry herbs. This Ohio State University Extension fact sheet describes common herb/food pairings. Remember to add herbs at the end of the cooking as some of the flavor is lost with excess cooking.
New to seasoning with herbs? Start small to make sure you like the flavor before adding too much.
Here are a few pairings to get you started:
Basil Tomatoes and tomato dishes, vinegar, rice, eggs, meats, duck, salads, & vegetables.
Oregano Italian tomato sauces, barbecue sauce, soups, eggs, cheese, pork, vegetables & salad dressings.
Rosemary Chicken, lamb, pork, vegetables, chowders & cheese.
Have you always wanted to make your own pesto? Watch this short YouTube video featuring OSU Extension Educator, Shari Gallup. You will see how easy it is to make pesto from fresh basil.
Get fancy – the easy way! Cut Basil Chiffonade and add as a garnish to pasta, pizza, or salad. This is a chopping technique in which herbs or leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and basil) are cut into long, thin strips. This is accomplished by stacking leaves, rolling them tightly, then slicing the leaves perpendicular to the roll.
What herbs will you plant this summer? Send a comment to me and share what you planted.
Source: [OSU Extension], Gallup, S. (2014, June 9) Simple Pesto using Herbs from the Garden [Video File]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/p0Zc8ye7V1o
Written by: Michelle Treber, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, treber.1@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Cheryl Barber Spires, Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-Ed, Ohio State University Extension, barber-spires.1@osu.edu
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