Herbs

Herbs serve many purposes and today I wanted to talk about some of my favorite herbs and all the benefits from growing them. Herbs are grown for culinary, medicinal, drying and used for the color they give off, insect control, and as a attractor for bees and butterflies.

Basil, known as the King of Herbs, is recommended to be used fresh, cooked in recipes, and generally added in at the last minute, as cooking can destroy the flavor quickly. Basil helps to control Flies and Mosquitoes and are great for attracting bees and butterflies.

Rosemary, is traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine as an herb; it has a bitter astringent taste, which complements oily food, such as lamb and oily fish. As a medicinal herb it’s used for improving memory, as well as a symbol for remembrance. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ophelia says, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance”. Rosemary, when used for dying it gives a nice green color. As for the garden, rosemary is used as a insect controller for Cabbage Moth, Bean Beetle, and Carrot Fly.

Garlic is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor, as a seasoning or condiment or to enhance other flavors. Depending on the form of cooking and the desired result, the flavor is either mellow or intense. It is often paired with onion, tomato, and/or ginger. Garlic extracts that are left to set overnight are very effective in healing wounds. In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic’s antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II. In the garden garlic will keep away mosquitoes.

These are just a few of the most common herbs found in the garden. I have really enjoyed growing herbs this year and recommend it to everyone to try it for yourself.