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herbs

Herbs & SpicesMost fresh herbs are available year-round in cultivated form, though their peak seasons vary by variety and climate. Spring and summer typically offer the most vibrant, abundant fresh herbs; in winter, dried varieties and greenhouse-grown herbs become more prevalent.

Fresh herbs are low in calories but rich in vitamins (particularly K and C), minerals, and polyphenolic antioxidants. Many culinary herbs, including basil, oregano, and thyme, contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.

About

Herbs are aromatic plants whose leaves, stems, or flowers are used in culinary and medicinal applications. Derived from various botanical families, herbs are typically herbaceous (non-woody) plants cultivated for their flavorful and fragrant properties. Common culinary herbs include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, and sage, each with distinct flavor profiles ranging from peppery and pungent to delicate and floral. Unlike spices, which are typically derived from seeds, bark, or roots and are usually dried, many herbs are used fresh and offer more delicate, volatile flavor compounds that are often diminished by heat and drying.

Culinary Uses

Herbs serve foundational roles across virtually all culinary traditions, functioning as flavor builders, garnishes, and infusion bases. Fresh herbs are commonly added to dishes at the end of cooking or used raw in salads, salsas, and dressings to preserve their bright, vibrant character. Dried herbs, which concentrate flavors, are added during cooking to braises, soups, and sauces. Herb combinations such as bouquet garni (French) and soffritto (Italian) form the aromatic base for countless preparations. Herbs are also steeped for teas, infused into oils and vinegars, or used in marinades and rubs for meats and vegetables.

Recipes Using herbs (17)

RCI-MT.002.0046.001

BBQ Pork Chops

Nothing quite like a succulent Pork chop on the BBQ BBQ Pork Chops

RCI-SN.002.0082.001

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0119.001

Dublin Coddle

Dublin Coddle is a typical traditional Irish favorite. It's tasty and easy to make.

RCI-MT.002.0100.001

Fars i Kål

Most types of leafed cabbage is suitable for this traditional but spectacular dish. In Denmark we mostly use the traditional white cabbage.

RCI-VG.001.0255.001

Georgian Garlic Salad

Georgian Garlic Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0071.001

Kartoffelsalat I

German potato salad From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: Biergarten, Germany, Epcot Center Makes 3 cups

RCI-RC.006.0075.001

Kasha and Mushrooms

This makes a lot, for those of you not familiar with kasha.

RCI-SF.005.0029.001

Lobster and Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SF.001.0269.001

Parchment-steamed Catfish with Spring Herbs and Vegetables

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SN.004.0131.001

Popcorn

United States | Corn | Snacks Though popcorn is commonly available pre-popped, or in microwave-oven ready popping bags, it is simple to make.

RCI-SP.003.0527.001

Potato Soup II

Potato Soup II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1089.001

Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce

) of sauce is enough. Good veggies for this: mushroom, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, artichoke heart, green bean, acorn squash.

RCI-SP.002.0185.001

Sea Mussel Soup

Serves 4 Sea Mussel Soup

RCI-SN.003.0262.002

Summer Roll

or Gỏi Cuốn in Vietnamese, are wraps of various ingredients in rice wafers, and are often confused with Nem or spring rolls (which, in turn, are often confused with egg rolls).

RCI-SN.003.0262.001

Summer Roll

or Gỏi Cuốn in Vietnamese, are wraps of various ingredients in rice wafers, and are often confused with Nem or spring rolls (which, in turn, are often confused with egg rolls).

RCI-BR.006.0345.001

Tofu Vegetable Quiche

Tofu Vegetable Quiche from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1444.001

Tomato Bacon Soup

We love it for lunch on a weekend, and are more likely to eat it in Spring or Autumn than the dead of winter. 50 minutes preparation.