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Using fresh herbs in home cooking can add flavour and variety to your recipes, as well as visual appeal (we eat with our eyes, after all!). What typically goes unmentioned, is how to maximise the value of these herbs. As the cost of ingredients rise, herbs can become an expensive addition to your weekly grocery shopping list, so it's helpful to maximise their potential.
Fresh herbs can be separated into two major categories: soft herbs (e.g. parsley, coriander, basil, chives, mint) and hard herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano). Understanding the key differences between these herbs is crucial for cooking (and storing), as choosing the wrong soft or hard herb will have a significant impact on the overall flavour profile of your dish.
Soft vs hard
Soft herbs are characterised by their tender leaves and stems, which are more delicate and have a milder taste. Typically, they are used fresh, or are stirred into dishes towards the end to preserve their colour and flavour.
Storing soft herbs like coriander properly can keep them fresh for weeks instead of days. Source: PxHere
Harder herbs have woody stems and robust leaves that can withstand high temperatures and longer cooking times – they're useful for dishes like stews, soups, sauces, braises and roasts.
Rosemary, a hard herb with concentrated essential oils and low water content, thrives with high heat and longer cooking times, perfect to flavour roasted potatoes.
Parsley, for instance, is super-packed with vitamin K, essential for bone health.
In contrast, basil used in a similar manner would burn and lose flavour. Thinly sliced basil, however, makes a delightful garnish for a peach and burrata salad, while rosemary would overpower the delicate components of the dish.
Storage
Extend the life of your herbs by repurposing the plastic bag they came in. Source: Tine Caisip
Proper herb storage is key for freshness, and they will keep fresher longest in the refrigerator. Try placing herbs in a glass jar filled with water (similar to flowers). Keep the rubber band and plastic sleeve. Cover the herbs with the plastic sleeve and secure it to the jar with the rubber band.
For flat storage, wrap herbs in a damp paper towel or a Chux cloth, then wrap them in either plastic wrap, a plastic shopping bag, or to reduce plastic use, an air-tight container.
Another budget-friendly alternative to consider is growing your own herbs. Some varieties, such as coriander and some basil, are sold with roots attached, or in small pots at supermarkets. Transferring these to larger pots or garden beds ensures a steady supply of fresh ingredients conveniently stored in optimal conditions.
This option is best for saving space in the fridge if you can't fit in an upright jar. Source: Tine Caisip
Hard herbs like rosemary are great to grow if you live in a Mediterranean climate, as they're easy to care for. Source: PxHere
Incorporating fresh sprigs, stalks and stems in your cooking allows you to enter a new realm of flavours. Experiment with swapping out familiar soft herbs in your favourite recipes for different varieties. Likewise, explore the world of hard herbs and discover the unique essences they bring to your food.
