Many gardeners include herbs in the landscape for their appearance and the intoxicating scents they release. But don't forget to use your herbs for cooking or on your salads and other fresh vegetables. Here are some flavoring ideas.
- Rosemary can be used for flavoring meats, especially wild game. It's also excellent in breads, vinegar, butters and teas.
- Winter Savory is the bean herb - it gives green beans an excellent flavor.
- Lemon Verbena is excellent for flavoring fish and meats.
- Lemon Balm is a wonderful herb for teas; mix with lemon verbena and lemon grass for a refreshing lemony drink.
- Oregano is great in Greek and Italian food; also try seasoning your grilled steaks with oregano and fresh garlic.
- Basil can be used in teas, vinegars, oils, and butters; it's also great in salads, with fresh tomatoes or as a topping on pizza.
- Bay Leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, vegetables and even teas. Bay is actually evergreen and will make it through all but our harshest winters if planted in a protected area.
Carol Snodgrass Reeves, Smith County Master Gardener
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