This is part two of a two part series listing the 12 most popular culinary herbs for your home herb garden.
7. French Sorrel
This herb is becoming increasingly popular today. Sorrel has been familiar to Europeans for centuries as a salad herb, potherb, and basis for a popular meat sauce. It is easy to grow and take care of. One thing to be aware of is that snails and slugs are attracted to sorrel, so you?ll have to check it every day to make sure your precious herbs don?t get devoured. Also, keep the thick flower stalks cut to encourage leaf growth.
8. Rosemary
Here?s one that we?ve all heard of! Rosemary has been a culinary herb since ancient times. It is hardy to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (about ?12 Celsius). Try to plant it in a area that gets full sun and good protection. If you live in a climate that gets below 10 degrees, be sure to plant it in pots so you can bring it inside during the winter. Grows up to 3? tall. Rosemary complements many meat dishes (particularly lamb), stews, and vegetables.
9. Chives
In nature, Chives occur over a vast geographic range, from Asia through the Middle East to Europe and also in North America. You’ll be very happy with the production that chives generate, even during their first year! They need to be divided every year, so you?ll have lots of them fast! Chives produce beautiful lilac flowers that are also edible. They are perennials that grow well in sun or partial shade. They are a great garnish for potatoes, cheese and egg dishes, salads, and soups.
10. Parsley
Herbalists recommend parsley as a digestive aid and diuretic; applied to the skin, it has been credited with alleviating bruises. Plant curly parsley from seed and be patient. It takes up to three weeks to germinate. It is biennial, but usually planted as an annual because it will grow better that way. Seeds should be soaked in hot water before planting. Can tolerate partial shade, and needs lots of water. Harvest leaves before the plants flower because the leaves flavor becomes bitter once flower stalks form. Parsley works well as a garnish in salads, soups, egg dishes, and vegetables.
11. Thyme
The Egyptians used thyme in embalming preparations. I hope that didn?t make you lose your appetite for thyme as a culinary herb! There are many varieties of thyme, but the main culinary varieties are French, English, and garden thyme. Thyme grows like a miniature shrub with tiny leaflets all over and pale little flowers in summer. A perennial that survives all but the most severe winters. Needs full sun and grows 12? tall. Good with poultry, fish, and pork; in sauces and soups; and in vinegar.
Sage
Sage was once esteemed for its medicinal properties. Used to cure such issues as broken bones, wounds, stomach disorders, and loss of memory. Sage grows vigorously in a sunny spot. May become woody and need replacing after four or five years. A very hardy perennial that grows at least two feet tall. Traditionally used for stuffing meat and poultry and common in Mediterranean and Near Eastern dishes.
Have fun growing!
Mark Perlik is a licensed acupuncturist in California. He appreciates and respects the power of fresh herbs used in cooking and as medicine. He has created http://www.mygrowingherbs.com to help others who are interested in growing herbs to find information and resources.
Article Source: U Publish Articles
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