5 Seasonal Herbs For Summer Cooking
Summer is the perfect season to experiment with herbs in the kitchen. Herbs can add nutritional value and they pack a punch of flavor without adding calories. Here’s how to dish up 5 delicious seasonal herbs:
Rosemary
A great addition to grilled items, rosemary has been shown to help reduce the carcinogenic compounds in grilled meats. It can also be used in soups, vegetables, breads, and desserts.
Basil
Basil is a great choice for summer months because it’s widely available, easy to grow, and affordable. It’s great for pasta sauces, baked goods, soups, and salads. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
Cilantro
Well known for its role in salsa and guacamole, cilantro is best served fresh. Adding it to fruit salads and cucumber salads is ideal in addition to its standard uses.
Chives
This onion-like herb can go with most anything. Although chives are best known as a baked potato addition, try adding them to salads, meat, or vegetables for a little extra flavor.
Lemon Verbena
This citrusy herb is great for tea, cookies, or chicken dishes. It can also be used instead of lemon zest in recipes.
Source: Cleveland Clinic