March 31, 2016
Ella’s Kitchen
Cooking with herbs… a great way to add flavor and some health benefits. Grow your own in containers in your kitchen, patio or yard. Container gardening is the easiest since many herbs will become invasive if planted in a larger garden. It is said that peppermint plants will keep bugs away. This year I am going to have a few small pots of it on my deck. -Ella
Thyme
Health benefits: Two teaspoons contain more than half your dietary reference intake (DRI) of vitamin K, and it protects cell membranes.
How to use it: Add it to bean, egg, and veggie dishes.
If you’re a meat-lover, try it with lamb. It blends well with bay seasoning and parsley.
Sage
Health benefits: Contains acids that function as antioxidants. And the term “wise sage” may have some truth—research suggests it may be a memory enhancer
How to use it: With a slightly peppery flavor, sage is great with sweet fruits and veggies, like apples and squash, but it also adds a punch to sausage and a variety of cheeses. And don’t worry about overcooking—this powerful spice’s flavor holds up well when cooked for long periods of time.
Dill
Health benefits: Contains iron and calcium.
Its oils may help neutralize carcinogens.
How to use it: This aromatic herb is best with salmon, added in borscht or other stews, on a variety of vegetables (especially carrots and cucumbers), and even mixed with yogurt.
Rosemary
Health benefits: Contains fiber, iron, and calcium. It may also increase circulation and improve digestion.
How to use it: Its woodsy flavor works well with a variety of roasted meats (like chicken, pork, and salmon) or mixed into sauces for a more subtle taste. It also blends with tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.
Cilantro
Health benefits: It is a good source of fiber, iron, and disease-fighting phytonutrients.
How to use it: From the same plant as coriander seeds, cilantro has a slightly citrusy taste. It’s best in salsa,
guacamole, and combined with lemon and lime for marinades.
Parsley
Health benefits: It contains vitamins K, C, and A, and hearty-healthy folate.
How to use it: This versatile spice is great in pasta dishes, sprinkled on fish and chicken, or added to potatoes.
Basil
Health benefits: It contains vitamins K, C, and A, and hearty-healthy folate.
How to use it: This versatile spice is great in pasta dishes, sprinkled on fish and chicken, or added to potatoes.
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