HerbsObjective: Gain some familiarity with definition, preservation, and use of various herbs

* An herb is the friend of physicians and the praise of cooks. - Charlemagne

Herb or Spice?HerbGreen leaf, flower, or stem of a flowering plant used fresh or dried for flavor, scent, or medicinal propertiesGrown in moderate climatesGenerally more subtle in flavorSpiceRoots, seeds, fruits, flowers, or bark used for similar purposes; usually earthy in colorGrown in the tropical climatesGenerally more pungent in flavorSome plants can be both: cilantro/coriander, anise

Origins of Herbs & Spices

New WorldAllspiceAnnattoChiliesPaprikaEchinaceaJuniperHorseradishTamarindVanillaEuropeBayChivesDillOreganoParsleyRosemarySageTarragonThymeCarawayFennelLavenderMarjoramMintSavoryChamomileLemon balmNear EastAnise seedBorageCuminCilantroFenugreekPoppySesameMarigoldPyrethrumCorianderSaffronIndiaBasilCardamomPeppercornTurmericCinnamonMaceNutmegFar EastGarlicJuniperLemongrassStar AniseCilantroClovesGingerGalangalChives

*Fascinating flavor fact: Cilantro refers to the leaf of the coriander plant while coriander refers to a spice made from the seed of the same plant. Cilantro and coriander are not interchangeable in recipes.

Cooking with HerbsFine vs. Robust HerbsRobust herbs are added to food while it is being cookedFine herbs may be eaten uncooked, in salads, or sprinkled over other dishesSome can be used both ways (i.e. parsley)Fresh herbs preferable to dried onesDrying will cause loss of some essential oils and flavors, even under ideal conditions Examples of ethnic herb assortments:Italian: basil, oregano, fennel, flat-leaf parsley, garlicMexican: cilantro/coriander, basil, chile peppers, tomatillo

*Approximate EQUIVALENT amounts of different forms of herbs are:

1 tablespoon finely cut fresh herbs= 1 teaspoon crumbled dried herbs= 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground dried herbs

Cooking with HerbsPlace herbs/spices in oil and allow flavor to infuse into the oil and use for cookingMake marinades and sauces for meat, poultry, or fishRosemary with lambMake herb butter, cheese, or stuffing

Cooking with herbs

Wide variety of herbal teasSome contain cancer-fighting antioxidantsUse as garnishEat freshBasil over fresh mozzarella and tomato in bruschetta

*More delicate fresh herbs can be added a minute or two before the end of cooking or sprinkled on food before serving. Examples include: Basil Chives Cilantro Dill leaves Parsley Marjoram Mint

*Less delicate fresh herbs can be added about the last 20 minutes of cooking. Examples include:RosemaryTarragonThyme

*Warning: Remove bay leaves at the end of cooking. They can be a choking hazard if left in foods and can cause harmful cuts and scratches in your throat and esophagus.

*Use the following guidelines for storing your spices and herbs to maintain maximum quality.

* To prevent flavor and color loss, AVOID:

*

Store in tightly covered containers.

Store in a dark place away from sunlight, such as inside a cupboard or drawer.

*AVOID storage above dishwasher, microwave, stove, refrigerator or near a sink or heating vent.

If storing in an open spice rack, store away from heat, light and moisture.

In ConclusionHerbs are a very versatile plant product that can be used in a variety of ways. Start with herbs you feel comfortable using, the slowly add more to make your dishes more interesting an complex. Be creative and have fun in the kitchen!

*PRESENTATION TIP: You might search the Internet for some of the latest information on the antioxidant powers of herbs and spices. Also, some may have anti-bacterial properties. Also search for the latest articles on how we need to lower our calories, fat, sugar and salt and/or clip these types of articles from newspapers, magazines, etc. Then hold these articles up as examples of some of the health benefits of spices and herbs. *SPEAKING POINT: Coriander seeds taste a little like cardamom while cilantro leaves are more like parsley and are sometimes referred to as Chinese parsley.*

****PRESENTATION TIP: Before you go to the next slides, you might ask the audience to think of where they store their spices and herbs.***SPEAKING POINT: You might ask how many are considering moving where they put their spices after the past three slides.