Fresh Herbs

Cilantro

I love nothing better than the smell of fresh herbs....unless it's the taste of fresh herbs or perhaps the versatility of fresh herbs. In any event we have lots of fresh herbs coming our way if these pictures have any stories to tell. Looks like the cilantro has a side of stray basil in its corner. Cilantro is great for use in making fresh guacamole. or on fish tacos - along with some grilled fish, and shredded cabbage.

Dill

Fluffy fronds of dill are super aromatic. Dill always works in a cucumber salad or when making pickles. It is also good in vegetable dips.

Fennel

Fennel, as a cousin of dill, is often considered an herb, at least that is how to use the licorice tasting  fronds. The entire plant is edible and is often paired with fish .

Parsley is a great breath freshener and an accent to any kind of cooking. It's mild flavor complements both meat and vegetables. Use it to make salad dressing and marinade for the grill.

Parsley

Basil

Basil is a favorite from the herb family. Pesto is only one of its possibilities. The hearty flavor of basil works well with anything tomato, and is popular with many Italian dishes.

Aside from complementing recipes with fresh herbs, they are more often than not preserved in any manner of ways. Preserving by drying is probably the simplest and cheapest way to have herbs year round. But  you can also preserve most herbs by using Kosher salt, or by freezing. I use the salt method for my smaller herbs like oregano and thyme. They are also excellent infused in oil or in vinegars and the possibilities are endless when making fresh salad dressings. Flavored olive oil bars are popping up all over - we recently enjoyed one at a wedding and the flavors were intense and so delicious paired with crusty bits of bread. It was such a fun party idea.

Flavored olive oils at a party

Serve with crusty bread or mix and match with flavored vinegars.

Of course within each herb family there are hundreds of varieties of individual herbs. Experiment, experiment - use your google tool to find more specific information along with recipes for each herb. This season at Stoney Lonesome you can find Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary. 

This recipe was in a recent issue of the magazine Everyday Food - Herb Sugars

In a food processor combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup fresh herbs such as basil, mint, or cilantro. Pulse until herbs are finely ground and mixture is well combined. Use sprinkled on fruit salad, to rim cocktail glasses or stir into iced tea and/or lemonade. Doesn't that sound delicious?

How do you use your fresh herbs?

A mixed bouquet ready for packing