If you are one of the many people who dread and often forget to make a trip outside each morning to water your plants, a quick trip to your local grocery store can seem enticing. However, growing herbs at home does not require much commitment and is an easy alternative to store-bought pesticide-filled greens. With the help of some sunlight through the window or an indoor herb garden equipped with its own light and watering system, growing herbs at home has never been easier. Brag to your friends and family when using any of these easily grown herbs that will elevate the flavor and add essential nutrition to any dish.
Peppermint Isn’t just for the Holidays: Though it may seem peppermint is only prevalent in a holiday drink or toothpaste, fresh mint can be added to many common indulgences like chicken or shrimp gyros, a fruity lemonade, watermelon mint salad, and greek sauce, for an additional depth of flavor. Including mint in your food can also help relieve indigestion and stomach pain, improve brain function, and ease cold symptoms.
An Italian Staple: Perhaps one of the most commonly used herbs, basil is often associated with Italian dishes such as caprese salad or margherita pizza. What you may not know is that it is used to treat many conditions like head colds, fluid retention, acne, and snake bites due to its promotion of blood circulation. So next time you have a pesto pasta, don’t hesitate to have that extra serving.
A Toast to Ranch: Often associated with pickles, dill is an incredibly versatile herb that can be easily mixed into your diet for its healing properties like reducing cholesterol and improving heart health. This is fantastic news for those like me who could dip nearly anything in a hefty serving of ranch, but if you’d prefer another option, add dill to your homemade tzatziki sauce, on your salmon, potatoes, fish, or any mediterranean-inspired meal.
From Weed to Superfood: Though commonly dismissed as a weed in the yard, chives are highly prevalent in North Texas and contain numerous health benefits that can help prevent cancer and improve memory. Sprinkling a handful on your omelet, baked potato, or stir fry, can add an extra layer of flavor as well as a hint of essential vitamins A and C.