Summer Herbs

By Jeweliana Curtis

Is there anything better than cooking with fresh herbs that were picked right out of your garden? We don’t think so! From main courses to condiments and garnishes on cocktails, there are infi nite ways to incorporate fresh herbs into your dishes this season. The best part? You do not need a green thumb to enjoy these aromatic herbs all summer long! Read on to learn some of the best practices for caring for your herbs, along with some practical uses and simple recipes for each herb.

Looking to spice up your summer beverages and add a fresh herb to your salads this season? If so, then mint may be the perfect herb to add to your garden. Mint can grow well both indoors and outdoors, making it a wonderful option for aspiring and expert growers alike. This herb is known to grow quite quickly, so to avoid a garden takeover, experts suggest potting your mint plant separately from other herbs. To best care for your mint and set up your plant for success, invest in high-quality soil and opt for a pot with drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist and water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Once your plant begins to grow, harvest it often and take advantage of your beautiful, fresh mint all summer long!

Need some mint inspiration? We have you covered! Add some fresh sprigs to a smoothie with a chocolate protein base for a refreshing post-workout treat. Garnish a homemade lemonade with a fresh bunch of mint or muddle some into your favorite seltzer. Add mint into a fruity cocktail or infuse it into water to spice up your H20 game. Infuse fresh mint into your favorite sweet tea or use it to complete a refreshing mojito!

Mint Simple Syrup:

Refreshing with a kick, this mint simple syrup is perfect to add into cocktails, mocktails, co ee and teas this summer! Simply combine water, sugar and mint leaves in a pot and bring it to a boil. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, then strain out the mint leaves. Add to your favorite beverages for a minty, sweet twist!

Basil

Ready to level up in the kitchen? Look no further than fresh basil. This herb pairs well with so many summer vegetables and family-favorite meals, making it a great option for your summer garden. Grow basil in a raised garden bed or in-ground, or opt to grow it in a container indoors; but ensure that your soil is high quality. Basil plants need around 6-8 hours of sun each day, and it’s important to keep their soil watered regularly, especially when they are receiving lots of sun. Once your plant grows to 6 to 8 inches tall, harvest the leaves by pinching them o and adding them to your favorite summer dishes.

Ready to harvest? Here’s some great dishes that pair well with basil. Create a refreshing caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Top with basil and enjoy! Did you know that basil pairs well with strawberries? The sweetness of the berries, combined with the fresh and savory basil, creates a beautiful harmony. Muddle together strawberries and basil with a simple syrup and add your favorite liquor and tonic water to create an e ortless cocktail! Basil is also great for topping pizzas, pastas, breads and other savory dishes.

Homemade Pesto:

Is there anything better than fresh, homemade pesto? To make your own, begin by adding pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and fresh basil to a food processor. Blend until combined and desired texture is reached. This makes a great sauce for pizzas and atbreads, and it pairs well with freshly baked bread for summer gatherings.

Rosemary

A true staple in most kitchens across America, rosemary is a delicious addition to many dishes. The unmistakable rosemary aroma, coupled with the distinct avor, can elevate any meat or pack a punch on a veggie dish. Take the avor to the next level by growing your own!

Looking for rosemary recipe inspiration? Rosemary enhances the avor of chicken, pork, lamb and veal, and is commonly used to infuse avor into steak. Roast potatoes with butter and rosemary to add freshness to your side dish, or consider adding a sprig of rosemary to your favorite summer beverage as a garnish. Add avor to any meat or vegetable by laying rosemary branches across a grill during a summer cookout to allow the ingredients to soak up that delicious rosemary avor!

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil:

Take your olive oil to the next level with fresh herbal avor! Simply add a few sprigs of rosemary to a pot with your desired amount of olive oil and bring to a simmer. Allow the ingredients to simmer for about 5 minutes before transporting it into a container to cool. Enjoy this delicious olive oil with a bit of vinegar as a dip for fresh bread, or pour it over popcorn to enjoy as a snack. You can cook with this mixture as normal, or use it as a drizzle atop your favorite pastas, breads or cheeses.

Did you know that freshly chopped cilantro is an excellent source of potassium? It’s true. It’s also low in calories and is good for the digestive system. No wonder this herb is a favorite among many restaurants and chains worldwide. If you want to try your hand at growing cilantro, read on to learn some of the best practices for growing. Cilantro grows well in full sun, but it will need plenty of drainage, so ensure that your soil is equipped to drain easily. If you want to grow cilantro indoors, you may consider a hydroponic system in which the plants grow directly in water and are given light and nutrients from a light source. This is a great option for many herbs if you do not have much outdoor space for a garden, or if you prefer to grow your herbs indoors for easier access each day during meal preparation.

Want to infuse the fresh avor of cilantro into your dishes? No problem! Cilantro is often used as garnish, but can be utilized as an ingredient as well. It is great for adding to meat before cooking, and it can also be incorporated into potatoes and other vegetable dishes to add a hint of freshness. Use cilantro atop your favorite Mexican dishes, whether that be a spicy taco salad or an appetizer of nachos, to nish o your dish and add a pop of color. Cilantro pairs well with lime, and adding this combo to shrimp, chicken and beef can create a unique and summery avor pro le.

Fresh Cilantro Dip:

Looking for an easy summer dip that packs in the avor? This two-ingredient recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds, even in a time crunch! Simply combine fresh, nely chopped cilantro with sour cream (or plain, nonfat greek yogurt for a healthier option) and stir until they are well combined. Serve with chips or fresh baked bread, or use it on soups and chilis.

Thyme

If you love Mediterrean dishes and Frech cuisine, thyme may be the perfect herb for you! With a comforting aroma and subtle avor, fresh thyme adds a savory note to any dish. Thyme can be planted directly in soil outside, but will need regular waterings and rich soil to thrive. Consider feeding your thyme plant with water-soluable plant food regularly to keep it happy.

Not sure how to use thyme when cooking? We have you covered! Thyme tastes great with many summer vegetables, like zucchini and squash, and is traditionally used in ratatouille dishes. Thyme also works well as an ingredient in rubs and seasonings for meat, additionally pairing well with pastas and French dishes. Add thyme to mayonnaise or butter for a quick, tasty spread or choose to incorporate it into stews and soups. It also pairs well with sweeter ingredients to create a nice juxtaposition of savory and sweet!

Thyme-Infused Honey:

Sweet and complex, this thyme-infused honey works beautifully as a sweetener for cocktails, teas and lemonades! The best part? This recipe is super simple. Start by grabbing a glass jar or mason jar and adding a handful of thyme, ensuring the herb has been thoroughly washed and dried beforehand. Next, ll your jar with your favorite local honey and give the mixture a quick stir to release air bubbles. Finally, pop the lid on and store in a warm spot for at least ve days. After those ve days are up, you will have a delicious thyme infused honey, perfect for adding a bit of fresh sweetness to your summer drinks or grilling recipes. ■

DIY HERB GARDEN CENTERPIECE

Fresh herbs can transform the avor of favorite recipes and add a fresh spark to one’s palate when added to recipes or used as a garnish.

People who may not have the space or the inclination to create an outdoor garden should know that many herbs can be grown successfully indoors. Small in size compared to outdoor gardens, indoor herb gardens can be grown on a windowsill. They can also be housed in decorative containers, serving double-duty as living centerpieces on kitchen or dining room tables.

Start by nding a container that ts your decor. Punch holes in the bottom, if necessary, to allow for proper drainage. Line the bottom of the container with gravel or perlite to help with drainage, then top with potting soil. Position small herb plants and ll in with extra potting soil. Sage, thyme, dill, and rosemary are good starters, but any herbs will do. Add a top-dressing of peat moss to assist with water retention and help the plants thrive. Place the container in your desired location and enjoy the welcoming aromas and fresh herbs at your ngertips.