Mixed 4" herbs $2.99 | Terra Cotta pot $12.99
Fresh herbs…they look pretty, smell incredible, and improve our home cooking by a landslide. Yet, many of us buy them at the grocery store. We spend money on that little plastic pouch that we will use approximately 1/3 of, and let the rest sit in the refrigerator until next time – and guess what? By next time its gone moldy. Am I right? You know I am. So let me convince you why you should grow your own!
Growing an herb garden is so simple, you do not need to have a green thumb to do this. And the benefits of having a selection of herbs at your disposal are plentiful!
With one trip to Anna’s, you can obtain everything you need. Whether you’re starting from seed, buying an already established plant, or a premade herb planter – we carry herbs for all levels of gardeners.
Seed starting soil | Bamboo fibre pots (5 pk) $5.99 | Seeds - prices vary | Herb garden dish towel $14.99
Freeman Herbs 6" - $8.99
Might I add that the premade herb planters make for great host or housewarming gifts. Who wouldn’t want something beautiful, fragrant & functional!?
Fresh herbs add flavour to our favourite dishes and make for impressive garnishes too. What’s a roast chicken without fresh thyme and sage? Or pasta sauce without oregano and basil? These flavours can be incorporated into your dishes in so many different ways.
When making sauces, stews or soups, a bouquet garni (herb bundle) is probably the most effective way to add flavour. Just let it simmer away for hours and your dish will be transformed!
Fresh herbs - prices vary
Another great way to use fresh herbs is to make herb butter. I love using this technique for roast chicken. I mix fresh thyme, sage, parsley, and lemon with butter and use it as a rub under the skin. This keeps the roast chicken nice and moist and adds so much flavour. Yum!
Herbed butters are great for so many dishes...roasted potatoes, garlic bread, fish...the list goes on and on. And the best part is, you can make a big batch and freeze it. Simply cut off a hunk whenever needed. If you are on Instagram, I highly recommend following thomas_straker for his deliciously satisfying butter creations. He makes everything look so simple and delightful! Infused butters are a great way to experiment with different herbs and edible flowers. And they make an impressive statement on your table simply sliced and served with fresh bread! For this herb butter I used thyme, parsley and sage with edible petals from pansies, marigolds and begonia tuberous. It's almost too pretty to eat!
Or, if you aren’t a culinary master. Herbs are a sneaky way to make store bought dishes look authentic! 😉 Spaghetti with frozen meatballs and sauce from a jar looks much more impressive when served with a pretty basil garnish on top.
And the same goes for beverages. Regular lemonade is elevated when a sprig of thyme or lavender is added to the glass. And while we’re on the topic of beverages, lets take a moment to appreciate the Mojito. This drink alone is reason enough to grow mint. Come on, how quenching would this be on a hot day?!
