Herbs and spices mean healthy eating is a breeze, helping you make everything from Caribbean recipes to traditional grub. However, how much do you know about the herbs you eat and cook with every day? In this guide, we are going to introduce you to ten of the best facts that surround herbs and their properties.
1. There can be many different types of one herb.
Herbs can have a multitude of variations, meaning that the flavours you achieve can vary dependent on what type you use. Thyme is a good example of a kind of herb which comes in different forms; distinguished by its appearance when it grows. Different characteristics include vivid colours, a fuzzy appearance and even a slight lemon scent.
2. Herbs can be used beyond culinary purposes.
Sometimes, you can use herbs and spices for more than healthy eating. For example, Romanian girls give sprigs of basil to their boyfriends in order to signify their engagement. This sense of tradition begins to show the rich history that many of these condiments have.
3. Herbs can be infused with a variety of oils.
Olive oil is a common condiment which can be used for salad dressings and dipping in breads. These oils, when infused with herbs such as thyme and rosemary, can give a really unique essence and taste which blend together. Looking for these oils in specialist shops can be a great idea.
4. Herbs can be freeze-dried and powdered.
It's easy to find jars of many different herbs and spices, such as garam masala, in a powdered form. This can allow you to use herbs which might have once been unobtainable for you easily, allowing you to be more adventurous with your cooking along the way!
5. When storing herbs, you should try to ensure that they are kept in a cool place.
If you are using jars, you can find that the colour, smell and flavour of the herbs and spices you store can be affected if they are exposed to heat for long periods. Even though you might not wish to refrigerate your herbs and spices, you might want to ensure that you keep them in a pantry which is dry and cool. Of course, looking after fresh potted herbs can be the complete opposite; requiring constant sunshine in order for them to grow and remain healthy.
6. Different herbs are commonly used in the cuisines of different countries.
If you have a penchant for one cuisine in particular, it can be worthwhile to stock up on the herbs and spices commonly used with it. For example, Indian recipes will frequently require cardamom seeds which are used for infusion purposes.
7. Only some parts of herbs are used in recipes.
If you are preparing to cook using fresh herbs, you shouldn’t expect to use whole of the plant, but only select bits which will give you the most flavour. Consulting the cooking guide which you are using for a recipe in order to get advice can ensure that you make the most out of the ingredients you have.
8. There are a number of different health advantages to using herbs, including the increased levels of antioxidants in your bloodstream.
This can ensure that you enjoy a longer and a healthier life, while also giving you the opportunity to consume medicines which might cure or prevent certain illnesses and diseases.
9. Just like other crops, certain herbs grow at various points during the year, so it's important to check when your chosen condiment is available to use freshly.
Whereas some herbs grow over winter or twice a year, there are others which can only be cultivated at one point during the year when the climate is right. There are a number of cooking websites which allow you to discover more about the growing characteristics of different herbs.
10. Some herbs can induce weight loss naturally.
With some herbs having characteristics which can have a slimming effect, including them in your meals naturally can prevent you from having to buy costly supplements which might not have the same effect.
Herbs are fantastic ingredients which can be beneficial in a number of different ways. Whether you are cooking a meal for one or whipping up something for the entire family can enjoy, healthy eating can be a breeze if you are stocked up with the right herbs and spices.