Who doesn’t like shopping for herbs? It’s quick, convenient, and fun.
The biggest downside is that you don’t have any control over the quality of these herbs. How many times have you bought a pack of chives only to find out they don’t taste as good as they look?
What can you do about that?
Simple! Grow your herbs at home.
You can employ all the necessary resources to grow high-quality herbs. I know what you’re thinking: “There are hundreds of herbs out there. Which ones should I grow?”
That’s what I’m here to answer. In this post, I’ll show you the essential herbs you must grow to have a diverse culinary wardrobe!
1 – Basil
You probably saw this one coming. Basil is the first thing that pops into most people’s heads when they think of strong-scented herbs.
So, it’s only natural it’d get a high spot on this list. Whether it’s sauces, soups, or salads, basil is a versatile herb that adds a unique flavor to any recipe you add it to.
Besides its punchy flavor and earthy scent, this herb has countless health benefits. You see, basil is rich in volatile oils.
Not only do these compounds stimulate its distinct aroma and flavor, but they also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. That means you don’t have to worry about harmful bacteria and microbes.
Basil also contains flavonoids, which can protect you from cellular damage. If you want to grow it at home, give it as much sunlight as possible and keep the soil moist all the time.
2 – Thyme
With its sweet-peppery flavor and floral scent, thyme is a staple in most kitchens. Add it to casseroles, eggs, meat, or stews, and watch it improve that dish tenfold.
It also has a decent shelf life. With proper storage, fresh thyme should last about two weeks, while dried thyme can last for a year.
Are you impressed? Well, I’m barely scratching the surface.
Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and promote cardiovascular health.
If you’re struggling with digestive issues, thyme might also be your new best friend, as it helps with digestion and eases intestinal pain.
Besides, it’s easy to grow. All you need is full sun exposure, moderately moist soil, occasional watering, and a balanced fertilizer.
3 – Oregano
I can write an MA thesis on oregano, but I’ll try to make it short. Do you know how Italian and Greek cuisines are famous for their unique flavors and aromas?
That’s largely because of oregano. You can add it to spaghetti sauce, pizza, chili powder, and more.
In Greek, the word “Oregano” means “The Joy of the Mountains,” which makes sense, given that it has an earthy flavor.
There’s more to oregano than its taste and aroma, though. It’s rich in antioxidants, meaning it can protect you from free radicals that prompt heart disease, bowel cancer, and joint inflammation.
Oregano is also an effective antibiotic. So you don’t have to worry about potential bacterial infections.
Luckily, growing oregano at home isn’t hard. Just plant it in well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot, and you’ll be fine.
4 – Cilantro
I know a lot of people don’t like the citrusy flavor of cilantro, but that’s what food is all about anyway. Each person has their own unique taste, and that doesn’t change the fact that cilantro is one of the most influential herbs in the culinary world.
It’s different from most herbs on this list, as chefs usually add it at the end of the cooking process or as garnish. Why? Because it loses its flavor when you cook it.
But even if you add it in the end, it can still transform your dish 180°. Besides its culinary influence, cilantro is good for people with diabetes, as it can lower blood sugar levels.
It also contains an antimicrobial compound called dodecenal, which helps fight off potential infections and diseases like salmonella.
You can plant cilantro in spring, summer, or fall. However, if you decide to grow it in summer, wait until the temperature cools down a bit.
5 – Rosemary
Where do I start with rosemary? Only a few herbs have a celebrated culinary history and influence like rosemary.
After all, it’s hard to compete with a herb that can complement countless dishes.
Are you craving potatoes? Rosemary’s earthly flavor makes a perfect pairing.
Do you like to enjoy a cup of tea after a nice lunch? Nothing beats the convenience and flavor of rosemary tea.
It’s no wonder that it’s chefs’ go-to herb for adding depth and complexity to their recipes.
Flavor aside, rosemary is also famous for its medicinal uses.
You can probably tell what’s coming next. It’s rich in antioxidants, which can protect you from oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory conditions.
It also improves cognitive functions, like your memory performance and ability to learn. So, don’t judge rosemary based on its look!
Like most herbs on this list, rosemary requires well-draining soil, moderate watering, and a sunny spot.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the most essential culinary herbs you must grow in your home garden. Of course, the culinary world has more to offer than these herbs.
These should be a good starting point, though. They’ll give you all the flavor and aromatic properties you can ask for in a dish.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.