Recipe Blog
herbs
Lemon Balm
CATEGORY: herbs
Lemon Balm is a native to southern Europe and northern Africa and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It has a long history as a healing herb and was also part of a drink that ensured longevity.
Lemon Balm is a citrusy and fresh scented herb. Fresh or dried leaves are used. Fresh leaves can be stored in plastic bags in the fridge for a few days or they can be frozen. Dried leaves should be stored in an airtight container. To dry leaves, avoid exposure to light or heat, spread out on newspaper or hang in bunches in a dark airy place. The leaves lose some of their flavor when dried. Dried leaves can be used as an ingredient in pot-pourris.
2 T heaping of leaves
(or make sun tea by placing herbs and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours)
strain add honey and, or lemon.
Fennel
CATEGORY: herbs
Fennel is a sweet, aromatic, diuretic herb that relieves digestive problems, increases lactation, relaxes spasms and reduces inflammation with expectorant, carminative and aromatic properties.
Typically used to compliment fish, fennel is found in a variety of Italian dishes as well. It is the seed of the fennel that flavors Italian sausage. Fennel seed is also called sweet cumin because they resemble each other. The flavor is closer to the licorice-like anise seed and may be substituted. This herb works great with all meats, fish, poultry, some vegetables and even in some baked goods and pickles!
Oregano
CATEGORY: herbs
Oregano is an herb that is a member of the mint family. It is closely related to marjoram, even though the flavors differ widely. Although it is a common ingredient in foods around the world, more is used in perfumes than is consumed. This herb comes from the Mediterranean basin. Is one of the fastest growing herbs and is easy to preserve.
Oregano is a savory spice not usually used in sweet dishes. Some describe the smell as pungent and the taste as strong. It is one of the few herbs or spices the flavor of which is stronger dried than fresh. It is most commonly associated with Italian dishes, and it came to popularity in the United States primarily because of its association with pizza, when that craze first hit the country just after WWII.
Spices that compliment oregano are garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, pepper, basil, and dried onions.