Beginner's Guide to Cooking with Herbs

Introduction

Herbs are a fantastic way to add flavor, aroma, and nutritional value to your cooking. They can be used fresh, dried, or ground, and they come in a wide variety of flavors and types. If you're new to cooking with herbs, here's a beginner's guide to help you get started.

Types of Herbs

There are two main types of herbs: annuals and perennials. Annuals complete their life cycle in one year, while perennials live for two or more years.

• Annuals: basil, cilantro, dill, parsley
• Perennials: chives, lavender, mint, oregano

How to Use Herbs

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Fresh: Fresh herbs are best used in dishes that are not cooked for long periods of time, as heat can diminish their flavor.
• Dried: Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so you'll need to use less of them. They're great for adding flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes that are cooked for a long time.
• Ground: Ground herbs are made from dried herbs that have been ground into a powder. They're perfect for adding flavor to rubs, sauces, and marinades.

Storing Herbs

Fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel. They will last for about a week.

Dried herbs should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will last for about a year.

Tips for Cooking with Herbs

• Start with a small amount of herbs and increase the amount to taste.
• Add herbs at the end of cooking so that their flavor does not dissipate.
• Experiment with different combinations of herbs to create your own unique flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Cooking with herbs is a great way to add flavor, aroma, and nutritional value to your cooking. With a little practice, you'll be able to use herbs to create delicious and memorable dishes.