Fresh herbs add incredible flavor and depth to any dish, turning a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. This blog post will explore the 8 most popular kitchen herbs, their best uses, and any health benefits they may offer. As a bonus, at the end of this post, you’ll find a link to download a free Printable Herb Chart to help you remember these versatile herbs and how to use them. Display this chart on your fridge or even turn it into canvas or art prints for your kitchen wall!
You can download a FREE Printable Herb Chart at the bottom of this post.
8 Popular Herbs Included on the Printable Herb Chart
This printable herb chart includes 8 popular kitchen herbs: basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and dill.
Basil
Best Dishes: Tomato Sauces, Salad Dressings, Fruit Salads
Basil is an essential herb in many cuisines, mainly Italian. Its sweet, slightly minty flavor perfectly pairs with tomato sauces, fresh salad dressings, and fruit salads. Some of the health benefits of basil include reducing inflammation and fighting against bacteria, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Parsley
Best Dishes: Green Pea Soup, Fish Stews, Egg Dishes
Parsley is a common herb that adds a fresh, grassy flavor to various dishes. It’s particularly delicious in green pea soup, fish stews, and egg dishes. Parsley is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, and is known for its potential benefits to heart health, immune function, and bone health.
Cilantro
Best Dishes: Sour Cream Dips, Meat Pies, Cheese Sauce
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a favorite herb for many, while others find its taste somewhat soapy. For those who enjoy cilantro, it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to sour cream-based dips, meat pies and cheese sauces. Cilantro is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and even protection against foodborne illnesses.
Mint
Best Dishes: Fruit Salads, Salad Dressings, Tea
Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s especially delicious in fruit salads, adding a refreshing touch to the mix. Mint can also be used in salad dressings and is a popular ingredient in herbal teas, known for its soothing effects on sore throats and upset stomachs. Mint is a good source of vitamins and minerals and has been associated with improved digestion and reduced inflammation.
Rosemary
Best Dishes: Roasted Meats, Bread, Tomato Sauces, Foccacio
Rosemary’s fragrant, piney flavor makes it an excellent addition to roasted meats, fresh-baked bread, and tomato sauces. This herb is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for brain health and digestion.
Thyme
Best Dishes: Fish Stews, Roasted Vegetables, Meat Pies
Thyme is a warm, earthy herb that adds depth to fish stews, roasted vegetables, and meat pies. Its subtle flavor complements a wide range of ingredients without overpowering them. Thyme is a good source of vitamins and minerals and has been linked to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and even antimicrobial properties.
Oregano
Best Dishes: Tomato Sauces, Pizza, Salad Dressings
Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, lending its robust, slightly bitter flavor to tomato sauces, pizza, and salad dressings. It’s also a potent source of antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.
Dill
Best Dishes: Sour Cream Dips, Egg Dishes, Cheese Sauce
Dill’s delicate, slightly tangy flavor pairs well with sour cream-based dips, egg dishes, and cheese sauces. This herb is a good source of various vitamins and minerals and has been associated with improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and even protection against certain types of cancer.
SUMMARY – PRINTABLE HERB CHART
Fresh herbs elevate any dish, taking your cooking to new heights. With these 8 popular kitchen herbs, you can transform everyday recipes into extraordinary meals.
Download your FREE Printable Herb Chart PDF
To help you remember how to use these versatile herbs, download your free Printable Herb Chart by clicking the link below. Print it out and keep it on your fridge, or consider turning it into canvas or art prints to beautify your kitchen space. Don’t forget to sign up for the Food to Impress email list!
Not finding what you are looking for to decorate your kitchen? Check out the entire collection of Printable Kitchen Wall Art.