Benefits of herbs in food – Discover the main ones
Advertisements
What are the benefits of herbs in food our daily routine? Why is it important to have them in the kitchen?
In many places in Brazil, for cultural reasons, not many spices are used in food, just the traditional garlic and onion and nothing else.
But, besides making food tastier and more aromatic, herbs bring great health benefits.
For example, most herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming properties, and some help improve biochemical levels such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides.
Benefits of herbs in food: see some
Here, we will highlight some herbs and their benefits so that you have a better understanding of how to use them.
Rosemary:
Benefits: Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help balance blood pressure.
Additionally, this herb helps balance urinary function, digestion and also brain activity.
Culinary use: Rosemary is generally used in recipes for roast meats of various types, as well as giving a special flavor to sauces for fish and bread.
For vegetarians, it goes very well with vegetables, roasted or grilled vegetables.
However, rosemary has a very strong smell, so it should be used in moderation so that its aroma does not overpower the other spices you are using.
Oregano
Advantages: Oregano is beneficial for digestive, gastric and calming functions, as well as being a diuretic.
Culinary use: Widely used in Italian cuisine, this herb goes very well with tomato sauces, pizzas, meats, fish, salads, veal and stews.
Therefore, it also goes very well with dishes that include cheese, its aroma contributes in a special way.
I.e, the benefits of herbs in food are many and varied.
Coriander
Benefits: It reduces hunger, controls cholesterol and helps with digestion.
Culinary use: Coriander is very famous in cuisines all over the world, it is excellent in sauces, broths, fish, pasta and rice dishes.
Laurel
Advantages: Bay leaves are a great antiphlogistic and aid in digestion, are beneficial for the brain system and are also great as a natural repellent.
Culinary use: It goes very well in stews, fish, sauces and everyday beans.
Scallion
In addition to offering great health benefits, it is always used with coriander, both are like a wild card in the kitchen, because they go well with many dishes.
For example, chives are often used in fish, various sauces and omelets, their intense flavor always adds something special to dishes.
In addition to coriander, it pairs well with mint and parsley, in salads and yogurt sauces.
Parsley
Benefits: It helps combat fluid retention, reduces menstrual cramps, has anti-inflammatory properties and also strengthens the immune system.
Culinary use: for those who want to enjoy the benefits of herbs in their food, it is a great option. Parsley can be used in dishes with meat, fish, rice, pasta and vinaigrettes.
It can also be used to decorate all types of dishes, to add beauty and freshness.
Basil
Benefits: Basil controls body spasms, helps dilate the bronchi, regulates urinary function and is detoxifying.
Culinary use: It is great for seasoning soups, meat, salads and pasta.
Basil is very versatile in Italian cuisine, commonly used in a combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, pizza, pasta, pesto sauce, salads and omelets.
Mint
Advantages: Excellent for those who want a healthy diet because it is efficient in digestion, reduces body pain, is stimulating and antiseptic.
Culinary use: People generally use it a lot in drinks, to season broth, roasts and grills.
In fact, with lemon and kale, they make a delicious and healthy punch, and there is that tea that can be drunk either hot or cold.
Thyme
Benefits: thyme is rich in calcium and iron, helps with digestion, and improves respiratory pathologies.
Culinary use: It is good for grilling, salads, soups, roast meat and fish, it has a mild and refreshing smell.
Sage
Benefits: relieves irritation, insect bites.
Culinary use: how benefit of herbs in food Sage has a characteristic and unmistakable aroma, as well as being intense, and is suitable for oven recipes, fresh mushrooms and meat.
Sorrel
Initially, this herb has leaves that are almost ten centimeters long and are succulent and very similar to salad leaves.
It is excellent for giving a different touch to fish and marinating meat to soften and tenderize it.
Tips for growing herbs at home
Rosemary:
When growing it, it is necessary to water the soil frequently at the beginning of its growth.
However, once developed, it no longer needs as much water, it adapts well to low and high temperatures, as long as they are not extreme.
Basil likes the sun, so place it in a place with plenty of sun exposure. It needs to spend at least 3 hours in the sun and should be watered frequently.
Be careful not to leave the soil too wet when watering.
Scallion:
Initially, chives grow in very mild temperatures, even though they are resistant to extreme situations.
It grows in a variety of soils, as long as there is not too much acidity, and always controlling water and sunlight.
So that you have the benefits of herbs in food, First, it is necessary to benefit them in their growth.
Thyme:
Thyme is considered a hardy herb that grows easily, one of the reasons being that it doesn't need much water. Water only when you see that the soil is getting dry.
Parsley:
This herb is a little more delicate, so it needs to be grown in mild temperatures and in the shade, be careful when watering so as not to soak the soil and leave it alone in a pot.
Coriander:
Coriander does well in warmer climates, it is important to keep the soil moist.
However, after its development, reduce the frequency of watering and the amount of water.
Some more tips for growing herbs
Mint:
Mint requires a lot of attention in the growing space due to its roots that grow quite a lot, this herb likes a lot of water, ventilation and mild temperatures.
Oregano:
This plant is more resistant to high temperatures, it is always good to leave it exposed to the sun for at least four hours and always control the water when watering.
Benefits of herbs in food, see how to grow the Laurel:
Laurel is a herb that grows a lot, so at the right time transfer it from the small pot to a large pot.
Additionally, it likes ventilation and little sunlight and controlled water.
Sage:
Little known, this herb likes mild temperatures and needs direct sunlight for a limited time, the soil must be kept at controlled humidity.
Conclusion
Finally, it is worth noting that you can use as many herbs as you like in your kitchen, however, try to use them in a balanced and moderate way so that one does not alter the flavor of the other.
Try to use the right combinations in the right dishes so that you can fully enjoy the flavor. I hope you enjoy these tips and make lots of delicious recipes. Hugs!
