Humans have been using herbs in food and as medicine for thousands of years. Herbs add flavor and dimension to the foods we eat and can have powerful healing properties, when used correctly. When used together in combination, herbs become the basis for a whole culture of cuisine. The taste of a single herb can define a dish.
Growing your own basic herbs is a good way to always have your favorites on hand, and to insure the quality and freshness. A few essentials for the kitchen include basil, oregano, cilantro and mints. Some herbs have both culinary and tonic properties, so it is important to understand the organic properties of the herbs you ingest. Gentle and relaxing teas can be prepared from very simple and basic herbs that are easy to grow and tend even for the beginner.
Starting with the most basic kitchen herbs is as simple as a pot with two or three items you use most. For instance, if you do a lot Italian cooking, keep a container in a sunny window or back porch of oregano, basil and parsley. Fresh herbs are much stronger in flavor than dried, so keep that in mind when cooking with them.
I start with a 10- to 12-inch pot, fairly deep, fill it with good dirt and sew a few seeds, according to the seed packet directions, in a pie-shaped pattern. Mist the dirt with water and cover it with plastic wrap, held down with toothpicks. When seedlings appear, tent the plastic over the top of the toothpicks for a couple more days, then remove plastic and keep the soil evenly moist. To keep your kitchen garden producing longer and from going to seed, constantly trim new growth. Give away your extra or dry it on paper towels and freeze it.
I recommend dill and chives for use in pickling, dips and salads. Cilantro is great for East Indian cooking. Basil comes in a number of different, beautiful varieties, lemon basil being my favorite. However, you might want to confine it to pots as it self-seeds and will spread rapidly.
If you are a tea drinker, you will definitely want to grow some chamomile and mint. I like licorice mint best for its delicate flavor and beautiful spikes of blue-purple flowers. Both herbs can calm the nerves and settle an upset stomach.
**Catnip**
If you have a cat, you should definitely grow some catnip. It is very easy to grow, indoors or out. Pick and dry leaves and flowers for a very GRATEFUL kitty!
Other easy-to-grow cooking herbs:
-Lemon balm -- makes a refreshing tea.
-Sweet marjoram -- used in French cuisine, has a similar flavor to oregano, but milder.
-Summer savory -- similar flavor to thyme, delicious in soups and bean dishes.
-Taragon -- anise-flavored leaves for seasoning sauces and vinegars.
-Thyme -- an old standby, used in many dishes.