The Secret to Cooking with Fresh Herbs and Spices

If you’re looking for a way to take your cooking from average to extraordinary, look no further than fresh herbs and spices. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform any meal into something truly special. But how do you know which herbs and spices to use? How do you get the best flavors out of them? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the secrets to getting the most out of your fresh herbs and spices in the kitchen. You’ll learn what to look for when shopping for herbs and spices online, how to store them properly, and different techniques for adding flavor to all your meals.

The Benefits of Cooking with Fresh Herbs and Spices

There are many benefits to cooking with fresh herbs and spices. They can add flavor and aroma to your food, and they can also provide health benefits. Fresh herbs and spices are more potent than their dried counterparts, so you only need to use a small amount to get the same flavor. 

This means that they can also help you reduce your salt intake. In addition, using fresh herbs and spices can help you stretch your food budget because they can be used multiple times before they need to be replaced.

The Best Herbs and Spices for Every Dish

There are countless herbs and spices available to flavor your dishes, but which ones should you use? It can be overwhelming to choose the right herbs and spices for every dish, but we’ve got you covered. Here are the best herbs and spices for every dish:

For savory dishes:

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Oregano

• Basil

• Sage

• Parsley

• Cilantro

• Chives

For sweet dishes:

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cloves

• Ginger

• Allspice

How to Store Fresh Herbs and Spices

Assuming you're starting with fresh, unbruised herbs and spices (ie. not the wilted stuff at the back of your spice cabinet), there are a few simple tips for storing them so they'll stay fresh longer.

For most herbs, like parsley, cilantro, oregano, etc., simply trim off any excess stem, give them a quick rinse under cool water if desired, then spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Place the damp herbs in a single layer on a plate or cutting board, then pop them in the fridge uncovered until you're ready to use them. They should stay fresh this way for 5-7 days.

If you have heartier herbs like rosemary or thyme, strip off any leaves that are on woody stems - these won't soften when cooked and can make your dish taste bitter. Again, give the herb a quick rinse if needed then spin dry or pat dry before storing as above. Rosemary and thyme will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks using this method.

Once your herbs are dry and stored properly in the fridge, you can chop or mince them as needed for cooking. Just be sure to add them near the end of cooking time so their flavor doesn't have a chance to dissipate.

Conclusion

Cooking with fresh herbs and spices can make all the difference between a tasty meal and an amazing one. With the right preparation, understanding of flavors, and balance, you’ll be able to create delicious meals that will wow your family or dinner guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment as cooking is about having fun! Remember that when it comes to buying fresh herbs and spices online and using it in your dishes, less is more; so start off the light until you know exactly how much flavor you need for each dish.

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