Herbs are plants with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, for medicinal purposes, or for fragrances; excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices.
A lot of people normally confuse herbs and spices, well, the essential difference between lies with what part of the plant they originate from. An herb is a leaf or other green part of the plant. Any other element of the plant would be considered a spice including dried bark, the roots, a berry, seeds, twigs, or other plant matter that is used to season or flavor a dish.
Types Of Herbs
Growing herbs can be highly profitable and fun. It's really quite easy too. You'd be surprised how many herbs are available and how many of them are huge sellers for a herb business. Some practically sell themselves. Here are some of the most popular herbs.
1. Basil There are two types; large leaf Italian basil and large purple sweet basil, this plant is popular in many cuisines but also in foods like pizzas, salads, sauces etc. Basil has health benefits of antioxidants and is a defense against low blood sugar.
2. Cilantro/Coriander Cilantro is also known as coriander leaf or Chinese parsley. Cilantro is perfect for adding to spicy foods and cuisines. The seeds of cilantro are known as coriander.
3. Oregano Oregano is also part of the mint family and is a staple herb of Italian American cuisine. Just one teaspoon of dried oregano can fulfill about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs.
4. Parsley Parsley is a mild bitter herb that can enhance the flavor of your foods. It helps things like stews achieve a more balanced flavor and is a good source of Vitamins A and C.
5. Bay Leaves Well known for its use in hearty stews and other long-simmering dishes with a slightly sharp, peppery, almost bitter taste.
6. Mint There are several varieties of mint. Mint freshens the breath and will help to calm your stomach. It's best grown in containers as it's an invasive plant.
7. Sage Sage is an aromatic herb that is great for seasoning meats, sauces, and vegetables. It also helps to relieve cut pains, inflammation and helps with memory issues.
8. Lavender Grown for use in salads and dressings, lavender will give most dishes a slightly sweet flavor. Health benefits include the soothing of insect bites and headaches.
9. Rosemary Rosemary is one of the most flavorful herbs and is great for adding to food like meats and vegetables. A good source of iron, calcium and vitamins A, C, and B-6.
10. Thyme Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme have been used to treat diarrhea, stomach ache, arthritis, and sore throat.
Conclusion
Herbs grow well in greenhouses and kitchen gardens and can be enjoyed fresh all year round. But if that's not an option for you, consider freezing or drying them up for use over a longer period of time.
When you're considering setting up your greenhouse, please reach out to us.