We can easily grow fresh herbs full of flavor and that is the easy way to add flavor to your cooking without extra calories. As fresh herbs are readily available in grocery stores it is very easy to make them a staple food for daily menus.
The Selection Method
Purchasing fresh herbs is similar to buying fresh vegetables. Go in for bright green leaves without browning or welting. It should have a strong aroma and you should identify the herb by its smell alone. As the herbs age they lose some of their smell and that is an indication that it has been on the shelf for too long a period. Fresh herbs also lose their flavor after some time and it is better to purchase a small quantity of herbs required for the present. Fresh herbs can be stored in a refrigerator but not for more than a week. Wash your herbs after getting them from th4 store and keep them in the refrigerator covered in a proper towel.
What to do with Fresh Herbs
You can add fresh herbs to all dishes. First use the less pungent ones like parsley and thyme to garnish any dish. Herbs can be put in to any recipe in place of dried herbs. One table spoon of fresh chopped herbs is equal to about one teaspoon of dried herbs. Fresh herbs can be added to suit your tastes by adding one pinch first and then more till you get the flavor you want.
Do you cook Fresh Herbs?
Definitely not. Fresh herbs can be enjoyed fresh like any other vegetable. Parsley a palate cleanser is used as a garnish in many dishes. Mint is delicious in a cup of tea and can be eaten plain. It is good for those who like the taste of mint but not for those who want to eat sugary mint candies. Plain basil is the tastiest fresh herb to eat. Basil leaves and tomatoes make a goods combination along with mozzarella in a caprese salad. Combine simply fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, a shower of olive oil and a pinch of salt to make a caprese salad. There is no better way to enjoy fresh herbs. Pesto can be made with basil, a sauce with basil, pine nuts and olive oil.