The Sweet Awakening of Herbal Pace: My Top 10 Essential Herbs for Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Deciding which ten herbs to grow in my garden is a question of sweet awakening; it’s akin to choosing my favorite children. Here are my choices, all beautiful in their unique ways and vital for both culinary and medicinal purposes:
Hops: A Sleepy Accomplishment
Oh, how can I let Hops pass by? These plants add a floral touch to my personal pillow, promoting peaceful and restorative sleep. Additionally, I share a part of my crop with a kind brewer, which is a delightful trade-off for the quality sleep they bring.
Fennel: Flavors of Both Giji and Fennel Herb
Fennel herb, distinguished from its giji counterpart, brings a delightful mix of flavors to meals and teas. Its foliage is impressive, especially the bronze-leaved varieties, and is attractive to several species of butterflies, making it a valuable addition for wildlife gardens.
Lovage: A Souvenir of Celery and Parsley
Lovage is a powerhouse in savory dishes, especially soups. Its flavor combines elements of celery and parsley, but with a more pronounced taste than either. What’s more, it’s invigorating to think of it, making one hungry for these delectable scents.
Rosemary: The Culinary Classic
No one can deny the popularity of Rosemary; it’s a culinary staple. Although I have Thyme as well, I find myself reaching for Rosemary more often in my cooking. This herb’s young shoots are easy to pluck, but Thyme requires more effort, and I’m too lazy for it!
Mint: An Insatiable Delight
Mint is a herb with an insatiable charm. I grow Apple, Water, and Peppermint mint, though I caution that one should not follow my advice blindly regarding mint in the garden—it can be a pest. Mint from my garden is a quick fix for hunger and offers a delightful feast of fruity scents.
Laurel: A Moorish Encouragement
Laurel is a resilient herb that thrives in my garden, even when winter nips at its heels. It’s a reliable phoenix, rising from my terrace each year, providing a sense of comfort and accomplishment.
Calendula: A Pot of Gold
Calendula is not only a visual delight in the garden but also a balm for the skin. The flower petals can be used to create healing oils and salves, promoting faster healing for blisters, scratches, and wounds. It's a herbal treasure that adds both color and medicine to my garden.
Sage: A Sore Throat's Best Friend
Sage is a versatile herb, and while its smell might be off-putting on its own, it’s a delightful addition to stews and teas, especially for soothing a sore throat. Sage’s medicinal properties are undeniable, making it a invaluable addition to my garden and herbal medicine cabinet.
Caraway: A Dutch Tradition
Caraway is a forgotten spice in the modern era, but it’s a traditional darling in old Dutch recipes. It’s not as widely available as other spices, but its unique flavor is a must-have in a hearty goulash. It’s also a great seed cake, giving it a place on my list for its strong, almost spicy flavor.
Ramsons and Chives: A Feast for the Tum
I thrive on a taste of onion, so Ramsons or Chives are a must-have in my garden. Ramsons offer a more garlic-like flavor, while Chives shine in sunny and dry conditions. This list is tailored to my garden’s conditions, and I wouldn’t mind having one in the other climate, perhaps Cumin in a warmer place.
Les Lieurs
While Juniper, Bee Balm, Safflower, and Lavender are good herbs, I use them less frequently. Juniper and Bee Balm are bee favorites, Safflower is easy yet not the best, and Lavender’s absence is noteworthy. Basil is a perennial absentee, failing to thrive in my garden, a mystery I haven’t yet solved. Coriander, on the other hand, grows without issue, but its green-soapy taste makes it a less-than-desirable choice for me.
A Special Mention: Saffron
Believe it or not, Saffron also has a place in my garden. With its beautiful blooms, it’s a delightful addition to my horticultural portfolio. However, its importance is limited by its rarity, making it a once a year treat rather than a constant.