Some of the most famous and tastiest herbs in the world come from Italy. Some of the best cuisines come from Italy and are well known in part for their herbs. Growing your own herbs in an Italian herb garden provides a massive quantity of potential.
Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes. Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor. Plus, basil will also keep at bay those pesky flies and mosquitoes.
Parsley is a relatively hard herb plant to grow. It is useful not only in Italian dishes but many other types of cuisines. Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eliminated the bad breath left over from enjoying a savory cuisine. The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal. The custom lives today by using parsley as a garnish on an assortment of meals.
Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful. When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers. Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is at most flavorful.
Fennel is famous for its seeds that grace and enhance the flavors of Italian sausage. The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant looses its flavor as it matures. It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor.
Like basil, Rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden. It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers. It helps the garden by attracting bees. Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.
Garlic is probably the herb that is most used in Italian cooking. No Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb. Garlic gloves can be planted and will flourish in just about any garden with very little attention. They can be stored to be used at a later date after they are harvested. Freezing them or pickling them to be stored in the refrigerator is some of the methods used.
Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes from meats to salads. New shoots of the plant contain the most flavors. It is recommended not to let sage plants to get to woody by keeping them trimmed. New shoots will be encouraged to grow if you keep the sage trimmed. Sage can be harvested after it blooms.
There are many more herbs that you can include in your Italian herb garden. You do need to consider what kinds of herbs you wish to use and the growing conditions for the herbs you have selected to put in your garden. Make sure you are able to meet then needs of the herbs you have chosen for your Italian herb garden.
Italian herbs add wonderful flavors to food, but also offer so much more. Italian herbs make and incredible addition to landscaping designs. They can be shown for their spectacular colors and enjoyed for the tantalizing aromas the herbs release. By planting Italian herbs amid other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy.
By: Paul Zeman
Posts Tagged ‘Italian Dishes’
The Italian Herb Garden – A Culinary Delight
February 7th, 2010Growing Culinary Herbs – How to Grow Herbs For Cooking
January 26th, 2010
A great way to have a continuous supply of herbs for cooking is by growing culinary herbs in your own garden. There are many great herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Herbs can have a tang to them, or they can be spicy or even salty, or they can be simply delicious. For any recipe out there, there is the perfect herb.
Parsley is a herb best applied to a fish dinner but this popular herb can be bestowed upon a variety of meals with appetizing results. Do not downgrade your parsley to a simple decorative role with your meal, enjoy it in your chosen recipe for the day.
One popular herb is thyme, the leaves of a small woody-stemmed plant. Thyme works well in meat sauces, delicate soups, or hearty everyday dishes such as tuna casserole. Whether grilled meats or gourmet cheeses, nearly every imaginable food can benefit from a little added thyme.
One beautifully pungent herb used as a common addition to Italian dishes — Basil — is used for good reason. It adds what many chefs like to call the ‘right’ touch. This is an herb of many uses, whether used for varieties of recipes from colorful pastas to cheesy pizzas, and is recommended greatly when preparing one’s tomato sauce for sophisticated, delicious pasta dishes.
Use aniseed for a spicy kick. Aniseed is related to Tarragon. The narrow leaves of the herb leave a delightfully spicy flavor to fish and mayo. Anise oil has a licorice-like flavor that compliments many dishes and is used to make artificial licorice.
Growing culinary herbs is so easy that anybody can do it. They are actually one of the easiest plants to grow and need only sunshine, water and soil. They are very resistant to disease and can endure adverse conditions well.
Another popular favorite is coriander seeds, which are derived from the cilantro plant. Porks and curries taste fantastic with a little zing from the citrusy coriander seed. Their mild and sweet zest creates delicious chutney, as well. Another herb with a bit of kick is dill. It lends itself perfectly to dressing up a plain old salad or for use in pickling. Added to chutney in combination with olive oil, it can’t be beat.
The most popular herbs for cooking come from the mint family. These include sage, rosemary, peppermint, and others. These herbs offer a unique flavor to meats, potatoes, soups and jellies.
Less commonly used, but highly recommended for those seeking a little culinary adventure, is saffron. Reminiscent of a mildly sweet and pungent honey, it can add flavor to a dish you cannot get from other herbs. It is used to make the traditional Turkish rice pudding, yet can also add amazing flavor to fish or poultry.
Growing culinary herbs can benefit you in a number of ways. They can be an excellent addition to your cooking plus growing them can be a fun hobby in and of itself. Adding them to your cooking can transform an everyday meal into a culinary delight.
By: Lee Dobbins
