Top Ten Organic Herbs

Organic herbs are generally easy to grow and can make dinner a special event when added to any recipe.  Here are a list of the ten best herbs used in popular dishes and recipes.   

Basil
Basil is a tender, low growing herb that has a generally subtle, peppery flavor.  It is used in mainly Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines.  There are many different types of basil.  The basil used in Italian dishes is sweet basil.  Thai basil, lemon basil, and holy basil are used mostly in Asian dishes.  Sweet basil is a must when preparing Italian pasta and tomato dishes.   

Bay
Bay is a small tree that is normally kept at a household height.  Bay leaves are taken from the branches and dried.  They do not retrieve their distinctive aroma and mild flavor until several weeks after they’ve been picked.  Bay leaves are mostly used in cooking soups and stews and are used mainly in Mediterranean cuisine. 

Chervil 
Chervil is an annual herb that is very similar to parsley that is mostly used in French cuisine.  It has a distinctive peppery taste and is used to season chicken, seafood and vegetables.  Combining chervil to chives and tarragon in sauces makes an excellent blend of organic herbs and spices for a poultry dish. 

Chive 
The chive is an herb whose taste is very similar to the onion, but not as strong.  They are mainly used in a variety of salads and oriental dishes.  

Dill 
Dill is a short-lived herb that tastes similarly to caraway.  The leaves of dill are aromatic and are used to flavor many different foods such as salmon, soups, and pickles.  Dill seeds are sometimes used to soothe the stomach after meals. 

Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular herbs and is used in about every type of dish.  Garlic has a very pungent flavor and is used as a seasoning or condiment.  It is easy to grow and delicious to add to nearly any meat dishes.  The possibilities for cooking with garlic are endless.   

Mint
Mint is an aromatic herb that has many varieties and uses.  Mint is used in breath fresheners, jellies, teas, and can add to any salads or dishes.  Growing mint is not difficult and can be easily maintained throughout the year.   

Parsley
Parsley is a bright green organic herb.  It is mainly used as a spice in Middle Eastern, European, and American cuisine.  Parsley has a distinctive taste and adds to many dishes.  It is customary for many dishes to use parsley as a garnish in soups or salads.  

Sage
Sage is an herb with a slight peppery flavor.  They come in a number of colors and leaf shapes and can last through the Winter.  Sage is best used in turkey stuffing as well as other poultry.  It is common in Italian cuisine. 

Tarragon
Tarragon is an organic herb that is used in many French dishes.  It has a distinctive flavor and can be used in seafood and poultry dishes.  It is recommended that tarragon should be used quickly once it is acquired because it loses its flavor quickly.