Gypsy's World of Herbs

HERBS-INFORMATION, TRIVIA AND RECIPES

HERB-A plant grown for its medicinal or flavoring properties or for its scented foliage.

This page is devoted to those persons who find herbs to be the most special ingredient in the adventure of cooking.

Without herbs in my kitchen I don't think I could cook!!!!

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HERB HINTS
Crush dried herbs gently with a mortar and pestle to enhance their flavor. Slightly bruising fresh plants will increase their effectiveness.

Use finely chopped fresh herbs whenever possible. Dried whole herbs are usually the next best choice since they maintain their strength longer than the commerically ground form. Use three times more fresh herbs in a recipe if it calls for the more potent dried form.

Avoid combining two strong-flavored herbs, such as bay leaf, rosemary, or sage; the flavors will compete with each other.
Use a strong herb with a milder one.
The accent herbs are slightly milder than the strong herbs and include basil, tarragon, and oregano.
Medium-flavored herbs are dillweed, marjoram, winter savory, fennel, mint and lemon thyme.
The group of delicate herbs include chervil, chives, parsley, and summer savory.

ANISE Symbolic Meaning=Aphrodisiac
Adds a mild licorice flavor to cookies, candies, pastries, and a wonderful touch to poultry dishes.
Licorice-flavored anise was one of the first herbs mentioned in history. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians believed it possessed medicinal powers. Today, it's popular in Italian liqueurs and Scandinavian or German breads.

BASIL Symbolic Meaning=Romance
Basil is a member of the mint family, and was known as the herb of kings in ancient times. In fact, its name may have been derived from the Greek word basileus, meaning "king". The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you had to curse and yell while you were planting basil seeds, to get a good crop, although that practice has since been largely abandoned, at least by commercial growers.
Like other members of the mint family, basil has been used medicinally for digestive upsets.
Try making tea from basil, as you would mint, for an after-dinner tea.
Basil goes well with other herbs, spices, and flavorings, especially thyme, garlic, oregano, and lemon.

There are several varieties of Basil.
Cinnamon Basil Spicy cinnamon scent. Used in sauces and salads.
Genovese Basil Sweet extra-large leaves are intensely scented.
Dark Opal Basil Preferred by cooks for flavoring oils and vinegars.
Large Leaf Italian Basil For Neapolitan cusine.
Lemon Basil Lemony aroma and flavor for potpourris, teas, chicken, fish, vegetable and herb vinegars.
Licorice Basil Like licorice candy.
SIAM QUEEN BASIL Use the tender leaves in Thai and Vietnamese dishes, or when a more exotic basil flavor is desired.
Sweet Basil Used in tomato sauce, pesto and salads.

RECIPES Chicken Veggie Packet (For One) Egg and Tomato Scramble (For One) Sugar Snap Peas with Basil and Lemon (For Two) Italian Tomato Pasta (For Two) Sauteed Zucchini (For Two) Zesty Salad Dressing Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp and Asparagus (For Two)

BORAGE Symbolic Meaning=Amulet for Courage.
Used for flavoring teas; attracts bees. Also used in salads and lemonade. The blue flowers may be candied.

CAT GRASS Fast growing treat for cats.

CATNIP Symbolic Meaning=Amulet for Courage
Favorite of cats. Green leaves are good for tea.
Deters pests, but attracts bees.

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CHAMOMILE Symbolic Meaning="All who know you will love you", Energy in Adversity
CHAMOMILE, German Small white daisies are fragrant, used in brewing medicinal teas, making perfumes or hair rinses.
CHAMOMILE, Roman Delightful, aromatic, gray foliage. Used for dye, popourri, teas, and in dried arrangements.

CHERVIL Fine aromatic leaves for subtle seasonings in soups, salads, fish, vegetables, cheese dishes and herb butter.

CHIVES, Common Symbolic Meaning=Protection, Healing, Promotion of Psychic Powers. Europeans hung chives around their houses to ward off evil spirits.
Delicate, onion flavored foliage for flavoring and garnishing soups, potatoes, and salads.
CHIVES, Garlic Flavor is midway between garlic and onion. Delicious in salads, spreads and flavored vinegars.
RECIPES Caribbean Tomato Pasta (For Two)

CILANTRO Fresh cilantro is indispensible for Mexican and Asian cooking.
Need some extra something to add to those Mexican or Asian Dishes??

RECIPES Caribbean Tomato Pasta (For Two) Southwestern Tomato Pasta (For Two) Fresh Vegetable Kabobs (For Two)

CORIANDER Symbolic Meaning=Hidden Merit, Aphrodisiac, Immortality
Seed used in confections. Seed used to make curry powder.

CUMIN Symbolic Meaning=Fidelity: Amulet for Faithfulness and Fidelity.
Seeds used in flavoring Indian curries, Mexican cuisine.
Cooks from Mexico to India use cumin seeds like a fireman uses a hose-to cool down the heat.
The earthy-tasting cumin seeds balance the fire of chiles and curry, making them palatable for even the most tentative tasters.
Cumin's pungent smell and musty taste are frequently paired with oregano, cilantro, red pepper, and chili powder in Tex-Mex dishes.
Because of its distinctive taste, cumin should be used sparingly until you are comfortable with its aromatic, nutty flavor.
RECIPES Caribbean Tomato Pasta (For Two) Fresh Vegetable Kabobs (For Two)

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DILL Symbolic Meaning=Amulet for Protection, Wards off Evil.
Seeds used in pickling, leaves enhance salads, soups, omelets, and vegetables.
Once dill was hung from the outsides of doors and windows to protect those inside from witches.
RECIPES Destin Lamb Steak (For Two)

EPAZOTE Use the leaves and young shoots for greens, older leaves for seasoning. A must with bean dishes.

FENNEL, Florence Symbolic Meaning=Amulet for Courage, strength and long life.
It has been said that fennel was eaten by serpents to improve their eyesight, making it easier for them to attach their victims.
Fennel is an aromatic plant with pale green, celerylike stalks and bright green, feathery foliage. It originated in the Mediterranean and is also grown in the United States.
Fennel has a large bulb base that can be prepared like a vegetable. Both the base and stalks can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of methods such as braising or sauteing. The fragrant, graceful greenery can be used as a garnish or snipped like fresh dillweed. Leaves can be used in sauces, with eggs, fish, and salads.
Seeds are used in cookies, cakes, and sausages.
The flavor of fennel is described as "sweet anise" or licorice flavored. Fennel is sweeter and more delicate than anise, and when cooked, fennel becomes even lighter in taste than in its raw state. It must be used with a light touch, however, or it will impart a bitter flavor.

GINSENG Asians consider Ginseng to be a general cure-all, promoting long life and virility.

HOREHOUND For flavoring and medicinal tea.
Horehound is a perennial herb that the ancient Hebrews and Egyptians used as an antidote for poisons and a cure for respiratory illnesses and ulcers. It was even used on snakebites. (Not recommened today!) Horehound is still used in the manufacture of syrups, teas, and lozenges to treat sore throats.
In the 9th century, drinking horehound tea was said to protect that person from the bites of mad dogs.

HYSSOP Symbolic Meaning=Sacrifice, Cleanliness.
Used in brewing teas and for medicinal use.

LAVENDER Symbolic Meaning=Silence.
General Great dried in potpourri and sachets. Dried flowers and leaves repel moths.
Lady Lavender Dried flowers and leaves repel moths and may be used in sachets.

LEMON BALM Symbolic Meaning=Considered a strong amulet - Wearing it made one happy and loved by all, and wishes would be fulfilled.
Often used in medicinal teas. Attractive to bees.

LEMON GRASS Stalks flavor fish, poultry, soups-and Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

LOVAGE Symbolic Meaning=Will bring love.
Aromatic seeds used in cakes.
Celery flavored leaves for soups and sauces. Seeds used in spreads, dressings, pickling.

Bulbs make lovely additions in the herb garden!!

Visit Dirk Visser's Holland Bulbs Today

MARJORAM Symbolic Meaning=Joy and Happiness.
Use fresh or dried leaves in salads, dressings, meat, lamb dishes, sausage, beans and soups.

MINT Symbolic Meaning=Virtue and Wisdom.
Applemint Use in teas, drinks, jellies, and lamb.
Curly Small curly leaves flavor cold drinks, teas, sauces, jelly, candy, fruit salads and chocolate.
Peppermint Peppermint-like oil used in flavoring candies and tea.
Spearmint Makes fabulous tea, sauces, and jellies. A single leaf is a great breath freshener.
RECIPES Peach Melba Sundae Shake (For Two)

OREGANO Symbolic Meaning=Will banish sadness.
Oregano, Greek For authentic Greek dishes. A choice herb for cooking pizzas, tomato sauces and other dishes. Richer taste than regular oregano.
Oregano, Italian Indispensable for Italian Cuisine.
RECIPES Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus (For Two)

PARSLEY Symbolic Meaning=Festivity, Rejoicing.
Hamburg or Parsnip Rooted Parsnip-like root adds delicious flavor to soups and stews.

RECIPES Chicken Veggie Packet (For One) Clam Chowder for One Lemon Veal With Rice (For Two) Italian Tomato Pasta (For Two) Fish For Two Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus (For Two) Fresh Vegetable Kabobs (For Two)

PENNYROYAL Use leaves as a repellent for fleas and other insects. Not safe for consumption.

PYRETHRUM Flowerheads contain Pyrethrum-a natural insecticide.

ROSEMARY A perennial evergreen shrub with narrow green needle-like leaves and tiny blossoms.
Symbolic Meaning=Your presence revives me; Remembrance, Protection from Illness. It is an herb sacred to friendship. It is also considered a strong protective amulet and safeguard.
Fragrant leaves flavor meats, poultry and potatoes. Use in potpourris.
Grilling Hint: Toss sprigs of fresh rosemary onto hot coals about 10 minutes from the end of grilling to give meat an irresistible zip.
Basting Hint: Tie together stalks of rosemary to use as a basting brush. It adds a subtle herb taste to chicken and fish.
RECIPES Lemon Veal With Rice (For Two) Destin Lamb Steak (For Two)

SAGE Symbolic Meaning=Alleviate grief, promote memory and immortality. Amulet for Agelessness, Wisdon, Esteem.
Common Sage Used in sausages, poultry, meat, bread, dressings, vegetable, omelets and stuffing.
Pineapple Sage Pineapple scented leaves for drinks, jams and jellies.

SAVORY Symbolic Meaning=The Egyptians believed Savory to be a powerful aphrodisiac, and it was a prominent ingredient in their love potions.
SUMMER The "bean" herb, used in dishes with beans, peas and lentils. Excellent as a salt substitute.
WINTER Leaves flavor beans, gravies, stews, dressings, soups, butter and vinegars. Salt substitute.

SESAME Seeds used in baking to give delicious nutty flavor.

SORREL Symbolic Meaning="Refreshes the Spirit", Affection.
FRENCH SOUP Small leaved sorrel, prized for French soups and fish sauces.
GARDEN Tangy foliage is tasty in soups, fish sauces, and salad greens.

SWEET BAY Leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and fish.

SWEET WOODRUFF Use flowers to make May wine, leaves to flavor drinks.

TANSY Leaves used fresh as dye, dried as insect repellent. Not safe for consumption.

TARRAGON FRENCH TARRAGON Used either fresh or dried, it imparts a delicious flavor to chicken, fish, salads, and vinegar.
RUSSIAN TARRAGON Flavoring for meats and vinaigrette.

THYME, ENGLISH Symbolic Meaning=Activity, Strength, Courage, Bravery.
There are over 200 varieties of this perennial shrub. For cooking, however, common or garden thyme is the most popular.
Common Thyme Fragrant leaves season meats, poultry, stews, soups and dressings.
Golden Lemon Thyme Lemon flavored leaves for teas, sauces.
RECIPES Marinated Crab-And-Endive Salad (For Two) Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus (For Two)

VERBENA Lemon Verbena Dry lemon scented leaves for potpourri and tea.

WORMWOOD Ornamental silvery foilage. Leaves used to repel insects. Not safe for consumption.