a love letter to herbs

Written and Illustrated by Maya Fidziukiewicz

What’s a waltz with no partner? A car with three wheels? Tea made with microwaved water, Gives off the awkward feels.

What’s a life without sunshine? A fall without colorful trees Oh, how the world would be different – Imagine: If Wisconsinites didn’t have cheese!

What if Madison didn’t have Ian’s? Greenbush, Paul’s Pel’meni or State Street? Where would we go? What would we do? Where would college kids get their late-night eats?

Imagine a life without these staples – Bland, dull, colorless and boring. Now that’s a life without herbs in your pantry When it comes to flavor, let’s start exploring.

But where does one even begin, Diving into the list of herbal combinations? Let’s pause the rhyming and I’ll share my favorites. Nothing much, just the basic foundations —

Of why we love herbs.

Rosemary

Flavor: strong, lemony-pine like Benefit: boost immune system Pairings: apricots, beans, pork, potatoes, eggs

Dill

Flavor: bright, sweet Benefit: soothes digestive tract Pairings: pickles, fish, zucchini, beets, potatoes

Basil

Flavor: sweet, fresh Benefit: anti-inflammatory Pairings: tomato, garlic, watermelon, eggplant, peanut butter

Mint

Flavor: sweet, cool, strong Benefit: eases stomach irritability Pairings: cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, yogurt

Lavender

Flavor: sweet, fragrant Benefit: calming, mood lifting Pairings: berries, lemon, honey, oregano, black pepper, chocolate

Parsley

Flavor: clean, peppery, earthy Benefit: bloating, natural diuretic Pairings: fish, chicken, potatoes, eggs, blueberry, broccoli, corn

Sage

Flavor: earthy, bold Benefit: rich in antioxidants Pairings: anchovy, bacon, chicken, parmesan, pineapple

Oregano

Flavor: sweet & spicy, slightly bitter Benefit: Vitamins A, C, K Pairings: olive oil, zucchini, cauliflower, lemon, white wine

Thyme

Flavor: earthy, minty, citrus Benefit: high in magnesium Pairings: beef, carrots, goat cheese, lentils, onions