How Often Do You Buy Fresh Herbs for Your Cooking?

Do you often find yourself buying new batches of fresh herbs for cooking? Whether you grow your own or prefer to buy them, the frequency of purchasing fresh herbs can vary widely based on personal preferences and growing conditions. In this article, we'll explore how often people buy fresh herbs, the benefits of growing them, and some common herbs to consider.

Personal Experiences and Preferences

For many home cooks, freshness and variety are top priorities when it comes to herbs. Mark, from Indiana, mentioned that despite growing a vast quantity of herbs, he still purchases tropical herbs like lemon grass quite frequently, possibly once every couple of weeks. The challenge lies in the shorter growing season and the need for tropical herbs year-round.

Similarly, another home cook from a backyard gardening enthusiast shared their experience. Although they grow a variety of herbs in pots, such as marjoram, basil, sage, tarragon, thyme, mint, oregano, and rosemary, they still find themselves buying herbs to meet the demand, especially in larger quantities for dishes like chimichurri or French cooking. This is often due to infestations of pests, which limit the availability of fresh herbs in the garden.

For some, the act of buying herbs is less frequent but driven by specific needs. Sarah, who grows her own herbs, only buys them very rarely, typically in January, when parsley might not be available in sufficient quantities. Her enthusiasm for gardening and self-sufficiency leads her to rely on her own garden for the majority of her herbs.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Herbs

Growing your own herbs can be a rewarding experience with multiple benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the need to buy herbs frequently, reducing the cost and the effort needed to maintain a variety of fresh flavors in your cooking. Secondly, growing your herbs is a sustainable practice that aligns with organic gardening principles.

Seasonal Herbs: Growing herbs year-round requires some adaptation, especially if you live in a temperate climate. Some herbs thrive in milder weather, while others, like tropical herbs, require more controlled conditions. By growing them, you can still enjoy the fresh flavors of these heat-loving herbs without the need for frequent shopping.

Organic Gardening: Growing your own herbs allows you to control the use of pesticides and other chemicals, ensuring that the herbs you use are organic. This is particularly important for herbs that are used in large quantities or frequently.

Common Herbs to Consider

Whether you decide to grow your herbs or continue to buy them, here are some common herbs that are essential for many cuisines:

Lemon Grass: A tropical herb used widely in Asian cuisines, useful for flavors in teas, soups, and curries. Parsley: A versatile herb used in various European dishes, aiding in digestion and as a garnish. Cilantro: A key ingredient in Mexican, Indian, and other cuisines, known for its fresh, citrusy notes. Marjoram: A culinary herb used to add subtle sweet and slightly spicy flavors to dishes. Oregano: Found in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano adds a robust and slightly bitter flavor. Tarragon: A classic herb for fish dishes, adding a sweet, anise-like flavor. Thyme: With a powerful, earthy aroma, thyme is instrumental in French and Middle Eastern cooking. Mint: Used in teas, desserts, and as a fresh, cooling flavor in many dishes. Sage: A versatile herb that can add a subtle, slightly bitter taste to meat dishes, stuffing, and soups. Rosemary: A robust herb with a piney flavor that complements poultry, lamb, and roasted veggies.

Conclusion

The frequency of buying fresh herbs can vary based on personal preference, growing conditions, and availability. Whether you choose to grow your own or rely on store-bought herbs, the choice is yours. By understanding the benefits of growing your own and exploring a variety of herbs, you can enhance your cooking and enjoy the freshness and flavor that herbs bring to your meals.

Interested in starting your own herb garden? Explore the benefits of organic gardening and discover the joy of growing your own fresh herbs.