Fresh herbs are easy to grow and are full of flavor. Herbs are an easy way to add flavor to your cooking without adding extra calories. And with fresh herbs readily available in most grocery stores, it’s never been easier to make them a staple in your every day menus.

How Do I Select Fresh Herbs?

Purchasing fresh herbs is like purchasing any other vegetable. Look for bright green leaves without browning or wilting. They should have a strong aroma – you should be able to tell what herb you are selecting by smell alone. As herbs age, they lose some of their smell, so if the herb doesn’t smell right, it may have been sitting at the grocery store too long. The flavor of fresh herbs also weakens over time, so purchase just the herbs you will need for a few days; fresh herbs tend to store well in the refrigerator for up to a week, but shouldn’t be stored much longer. Wash your herbs when you get home from the store, and store them in your refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel.

What Do I Do With Fresh Herbs?

Fresh herbs can be added to nearly any dish. You can start first by using less pungent herbs, such as parsley and thyme, as a simple garnish to any dish. Herbs can be added to any recipe in place of dried herbs; one tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs is equal to approximately 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Add fresh herbs as you cook to suit your tastes – start with just a pinch, then add more until the flavor is what you want.

Do You Have to Cook Fresh Herbs?

Of course not! Fresh herbs can be enjoyed, well, fresh, just like any other vegetable. Parsley is a palate cleanser, which is why it is used as a garnish in many dishes. Mint, while delicious in a cup of tea, can also be eaten plain. It is perfect for those who like the taste of mint but don’t want to be eating sugary mint candies! Perhaps the tastiest fresh herb to eat plain is basil. Basil leaves pair with tomatoes and mozzarella extremely well, and are often enjoyed together in a caprese salad. To make a caprese salad, simply combine fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. For many, there’s not better way to enjoy fresh herbs. Basil can also be made into pesto, a sauce made with basil, pine nuts, and olive oil.