Cooking With Fresh Herbs Chart

Want Instant Flavor? Just Add Fresh Herbs

Herbs are the red lipstick of the kitchen — they're incredibly versatile, transforming bland, boring dishes into stunners. Here's how to pick, clean and cook with them this spring.

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  COPYRIGHT ©2005 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  Twice The Flavor, Zero Extra Calories

  Here's some good food news: Warmer weather means better meals (just think of all the fresh ingredients that are finally in-season). But instead of hiding a dish beneath a heavy sauce or dressing — which can be loaded with additional fat and calories — Marissa Lipert, nutritionist and owner of Nourish Kitchen + Table, suggests sprinkling on a combination of fresh herbs to add just as much flavor. Another reason to love them? Lippert says that many herbs, particularly rosemary and oregano, "boast disease-fighting antioxidants."

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  How To Pick Them

  Grabbed a bunch of herbs with saggy stems and brown bottoms? Toss 'em. Fresh herbs need to be in good shape to really add flavor, so shop for ones with uniform color and crisp leaves. (The crisper the leaves, the easier they'll be to pick off their stems.)

• Wash (Some of) Them Well

  Soft herbs like parsley, dill, mint, and basil need a good rinse before being added to a dish. Give them a quick swirl in a bowl of water and pat them dry with paper towels (or ring them out in a salad spinner). Sturdier herbs like rosemary and thyme will wilt when wet, so simply brush off any excess dirt with a paper towel before using their leaves.

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  How to Store Them

  Herbs gone bad just a day after purchasing them? It happens. To lengthen their lifespan, store herbs with their stems submerged in a half-filled glass of water in the fridge. (The plastic bag and rubber band are optional.) Traveling? Wrap herbs in a damp paper towel and store in a zip-top bag.

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  When To Use Them

  "Fresh herbs can help to balance richness and add a green cleanliness to any savory or sweet creation," says chef Anita Lo of Anissa Restaurant in NYC. Lo recommends adding heartier herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage during the cooking process (they can withstand serious heat), and using leafier herbs (parsley, dill, mint, and cilantro) to finish off a dish.

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  Better in Pairs

  While many herbs are delicious on their own, they're even more flavorful when paired with a complementary partner. Lippert tops a beet salad with the super-clean combination of cilantro, parsley, and mint in her restaurant, while Lo adds tarragon, Shiso, and mint to salmon for an Asian-inspired meal. Play around with your favorite combinations to find which ones you like best, or try the following suggestions...

• Classic Combo: Rosemary + Thyme

  A woodsy and autumnal duo, these two strong flavors are woven throughout many favorite French and Italian meals. Chop the leaves from a few sprigs and use them in hearty meat and chicken dishes, or add them to your favorite vegetables before roasting.

• Classic Combo: Mint + Basil

  Your plate will scream "FRESH" with this summery pairing. While typically used on mild white fish or chicken, the sharp flavors of these greens would work well in many Asian dishes, like this udon noodle and vegetable bowl.

• Classic Combo: Dill + Fennel Fronds

  When you want to let the existing flavors of your food shine (and not be overpowered), these mild and light herbs will add an extra hint of complexity to your plate. Sprinkle them on a salad, in a dressing, or on top of salmon or other fish.

• Cilantro + Parsley

  Cilantro has some haters — they say it tastes soapy — but it's worth giving another try. (If you like salsa and other Mexican food, there's a good chance you like this herb). Combine it with parsley to make a dressing for this protein-packed chickpea salad.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Cooking With Fresh Herbs Chart

Source: https://www.self.com/gallery/how-to-use-fresh-herbs-slideshow

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