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21 Herbs and Spices You Should ALWAYS Grow

Self Sufficient Me・12 minutes read

Various herbs and spices are discussed, including basil, coriander, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, oregano, and more, with details on their cultivation and culinary uses. The author invites audience participation by sharing their top 21 herbs and spices while encouraging viewers to suggest additional options and substitutions in the comments.

Insights

  • Basil is a versatile herb that pairs well with tomatoes, easy to grow, and available in different varieties, making it a popular choice for gardeners and cooks alike.
  • The author shares insights on a wide range of herbs and spices, highlighting their unique qualities, culinary uses, and growing conditions, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts while encouraging community engagement for additional suggestions and substitutions.

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Recent questions

  • What herb pairs well with tomatoes and is easy to grow?

    Basil

  • What herb and spice is native to Southern Europe and Asia?

    Coriander

  • What herb is ideal for Asian cuisine and herbal teas, potentially repelling mosquitoes?

    Lemongrass

  • What herb is used in Thai dishes and can grow tall if pruned regularly?

    Kaffir lime

  • What herb is easy to grow and can be used to make turmeric powder?

    Turmeric

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Summary

00:00

"Versatile Herbs: Growing and Cooking Tips"

  • Basil is a versatile herb that pairs well with tomatoes and is easy to grow in gardens or containers, with different varieties available.
  • Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a herb and spice native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia, with its seeds being a favorite for flavoring meats.
  • Kaffir lime leaves and fruit rind are used in cooking, particularly in Thai dishes, with the tree being compact but able to grow tall if pruned regularly.
  • Lemongrass, with citronella qualities, is ideal for Asian cuisine and herbal teas, thriving in warm spots and containers while potentially repelling mosquitoes.
  • Turmeric, easy to grow and thriving on neglect, can be used to make turmeric powder, with rhizomes growing well in containers.
  • Ginger, similar to turmeric, is easy to grow in warm climates and can be harvested early for milder flavor, suitable for raw consumption.
  • Galangal, a larger crop related to ginger, has a distinct medicinal taste and is used in various Asian dishes, requiring strategic planting to avoid overshadowing other plants.
  • Oregano, native to the Mediterranean, is often used dried for intense flavor, regrowing in subtropical climates and suitable for European-style cuisine.
  • Thyme, a relative of oregano, is native to the Mediterranean and has a sprawling growth pattern, historically believed to prevent nightmares.
  • Lemon verbena, with a strong lemony smell, is ideal for fish and poultry dishes, benefiting from pruning before spring to encourage bushiness.
  • Dill, known for dill pickles, is easy to grow and best used fresh, retaining flavor when freeze-dried for sauces like dill mayo.
  • Parsley, well-known and seasonal in hot climates, is distinct in taste and grows best in cooler weather, with flat leaf parsley germinating more easily.
  • Bay leaf, used to flavor various dishes, grows slowly and can be conveniently plucked from trees, with dry leaves being preferred by some for less bitterness.
  • Mint, a strong base flavor for confectionary, should be contained to prevent invasive growth, thriving in raised garden beds.
  • Chives, versatile and hardy, are great substitutes for onions and garlic, growing well in various conditions and suitable for different dishes.
  • Curry tree, native to India, is essential for curry dishes and grows easily from seed, requiring consumption to prevent it from becoming a weed risk.
  • Rosemary, with a pine-needle-like appearance, pairs well with lamb and is a popular herb for commemorative days, growing well next to paths for aroma.
  • Chili peppers, considered both a fruit and a spice, enhance various dishes and are essential for a complete garden and diet.
  • Mustard, used for cooking and pickling, can also be a salad crop, with seeds and young leaves adding flavor to dishes.
  • Fennel, part of the carrot family, is versatile for its bulbous root and anise seed flavor, ideal for fish, eggs, soups, and stews.
  • Garlic, a staple in cooking, is easy to grow and harvest, with organic suppliers offering smaller varieties suitable for various dishes.

14:45

Growing Garlic in Subtropical Climates: Top 21 Spices

  • Garlic, a challenging plant to grow in subtropical climates, belongs to the Allium family and is a beloved spice for enhancing food flavors, with the author sharing their top 21 herbs and spices while inviting viewers to suggest additions and replacements in the comments section.
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