Unfamiliar Herbs Offer Opportunities For Experimentation

Unfamiliar Herbs Offer Opportunities For Experimentation It’s easy to get into a rut when it comes to herbs. After all, the grocery store’s variety is limited. Growing your own makes it possible to experiment beyond standard flavors for some surprising herbal experiences. Here are a few out-of-the-ordinary herbs to consider. Basil may hinge its reputation on pesto, but that’s a limiting view for its broad flavor profile. Consider cinnamon basil, a spicy green with a hint of sweetness, or amethyst basil, prized for its deep purple coloring and decidedly mild flavor. And if you’re looking for a burst of the tropics, Mrs. Burns lemon basil packs intense citrus flavor in its larger-than-average leaves. The plant can reach over 3 ft. tall and is a prolific producer. Mint also offers much room for exploration. Banana mint smells a little like its namesake, adding complexity to summer cocktails. The fuzzy green leaves are easy to dry and can be used in tea. Chocolate and apple mint also open up the world of complex flavor profiles. As the mint family is known for spreading far beyond its growing space, it’s wise to have many uses in mind to use up the abundance of leaves. One option is a rodent deterrent. Mice and other rodents don’t like the scent, so scattering a few mint leaves where you want them to avoid can help keep them away. Stick with the most aromatic varieties; spearmint and peppermint tend to work well. While sage is an understated plant, the pineapple variety produces lovely red flowers that hummingbirds struggle to resist. Enjoy its lightly sweet leaves and flowers in teas, or add them to floral arrangements for a fresh and fruity aroma. If you want to branch out, consider growing horseradish. It’s an aggressive plant, so choose its location carefully. The sharp spice of the fresh root is head and shoulders over anything you can buy. Even a sample will fully clear your sinuses. Give the plant plenty of space to stretch out its sizable leaves, and let it grow for at least two years before harvesting. Borage is an underappreciated annual with beautiful blue flowers that self-sow once planted. The tender new leaves have a delicate cucumber flavor and are an excellent addition to salads, mixed drinks, or even frozen into ice cubes. Herbs offer exceptional opportunities for culinary exploration. Seek out under-the-radar options to spark your creativity at home. One option for buying herbs is The Growers Exchange (ph 888-829-6201; www.thegrowers-exchange.com).

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