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Does It Matter If I Use Fresh or Dry Herbs
Without question, purchase fresh herbs. They will provide the best
taste and the optimum health benefits. For this reason many cooks
buy herb plants and have their own herb gardens. Often you can buy
herb pots from nurseries that have been designed with kitchen use
in mind. For some items, basil and mint in particular, there is no
substitute for the fresh article.
When buying fresh herbs in the store, look for plants that are bright
in color with a clean, fresh aroma. Always wash your herbs before
using them and try to insure that no pesticides have been used on
the plants.
If you cannot grow or purchase herbs that are fresh, the next best
option is to buy bulk herbs that have been dried in bundles at a natural
foods or farmer’s market. The herbs should retain some of their
original color and should not be brown. Always smell the bundles.
Expect a pungent, strong aroma. Again, try to ascertain that the herbs
are free of pesticide contamination.
Always store herbs in clean, airtight containers and use labels that
indicate when the item was purchased. Don’t keep dried herbs
longer than six months.
Should I consult an herbalist?
Almost all common herbs are perfectly safe when used in recipes. A
good guide to herbs will help you understand
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the most common uses
for these plants. If you are growing your own herbs and are interested
in learning more about their medicinal uses you should absolutely
consult an herbalist.
Never mix herbs for medicinal purposes in combination unless you understand
how they will interact. For the same reason, do not use herbs while
taking prescription medications unless you understand how each substances
will work in the presence of the other.
Many herbs contain natural chemicals that mimic prescription medications.
For instance Evening Primrose contains natural estrogens and licorice
root can cause elevated blood pressure. Just because these plants
are “natural” does not mean that no care is required in
their use.
Where can I buy herbs?
There are many sources for buying herbs both in plant form and pre-dried.
If you are planning on planting your own herb garden the best place
to start is your local nursery. You may also want to find out if there
is a local collective herb garden where you can learn how to cultivate
and care for your herbs as well as how to use them.
For fresh or dried herbs in bulk, look for a farmer’s market,
a specialty grocery store, or a health food store with a grocery section.
(If you health food store does not carry herbs they may have paper
catalogs you can use.) You can also buy herb plants online.
Always study any given web site carefully. If it does not contain
information about where the herbs are obtained or how they are cultivated,
send an email and ask those questions. You want herbs that are absolutely
pesticide and chemical free. Also find out about guarantees and return
policies.
Which source is the best?
Frankly, the best source for herbs is the one that works best for
you. Often busy working people cannot manage a garden or don’t
have time to do specialty shopping. In that instance, buy herbs online
and do all you can to ascertain that the entity with which you are
dealing is reputable and that guarantees and return policies are reasonable.
Without question the best policy is to buy fresh herbs but if that
is not possible you should not discount the use of herbs entirely.
There are other viable options, just realize dried herbs may not be
as flavorful and they do have a limited shelf life. Obtain a good
guide to herbs and enjoy learning about and using these healthy, flavorful
plants.
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