Herbs can turn simple meals into something special. They add taste and make everyday cooking more exciting and delicious. Read on to find out why you should add herbs to your meals.
Understanding Herb Types
Herbs come in two main types: woody and soft. Woody herbs like rosemary or bay have strong leaves and stems that can cook for a long time in stews and casseroles. Soft herbs like basil have delicate leaves that need gentle handling and quick cooking.
Cooking with Soft Herbs
Add soft herbs near the end of cooking to keep their fresh taste. You could sprinkle basil on pizza or pasta just before serving or add coriander to curry or tacos at the table. This keeps their flavour bright and strong.
Making the Most of Woody Herbs
Woody herbs work best when cooked slowly because cooking breaks down their leaves and releases tasty oils. Put these herbs in soups and stews early on in the cooking process to give them time to add a deep flavour.
Keeping Herbs Fresh
Freezing can help save herbs for later use. Frozen woody herbs can go straight in when cooking, but frozen soft herbs should be added just before the dish is finished to keep their taste fresh.
Herbs in Different Dishes
Herbs aren’t just for hot food. They can make salads taste better, and they can add flavour to cold dishes, drinks like cocktails and even desserts. Always add them just before serving to keep them tasting great. Herbs can even be used in an office lunch delivery like the lunch examples seen at www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery.
Exploring Herb Flavours
Start with small amounts of herbs and see what works. Some herbs are strong and some are mild, so try different combinations to discover new tastes.
Why Use Herbs?
Herbs do more than just add taste because they can make even simple meals feel a bit more special. A few leaves of fresh herbs can turn a basic dish into something memorable, so they are an easy way to make your cooking more interesting and delicious.
