Lovely herbs!
*How do we use them?
*When did we start using them?
As we know they have been around for centuries ……
The use of herbs has been important to and used by all cultures for many reasons since long before history was recorded.
Hundreds of tribal cultures have used wild and cultivated herbs for medicinal and food purposes for thousands of years.
Herbs have been used throughout written history, and probably much longer. They were depicted on cave paintings in France, dated between 13,000 B.C. and 25,000 B.C. It is speculated that early humans probably discovered myriad uses for wild plants through trial and error.
We have, thankfully become the beneficiaries of all the history thus far on the uses of herbs be it for culinary or medicinal and in many cases both. We now also no the powerful nutritional value of them also.
Although herbs and spices have been used since ancient times, they now play a new and important role in modern food preparation. They not only add unique flavors to our food, but add colour and variety as well. Certain herbs used alone, or in blends with spices, can replace or reduce salt and sugar in foods.
Overtime we tend to find our favourite herbs and stick with them or only use them individually in a dish.
If we don’t know or unsure of where to begin, we often just don’t go there, right?
And, that is totally OK. Luckily, you’re reading this so hopefully a good time to begin.
Maybe start off with buying some of the ready grown ones from the market to see which are your favourite and start there. Another way is by taking a cutting from and friend and popping it in water to root then planting it, very satisfying!
Also, a great way to get your children interested in gardening and eating herbs. Buy a packet of seeds and start there, make it a “family project”! That way everyone is involved and learning about herbs and their benefits and how to grow them.
You can then begin to get them involved in the preparation and cooking process.
So, rewarding for everyone.
It’s amazing how beneficial it can be for children’s self-esteem, to be involved in a project like this with the whole family and to have a very satisfying outcome.
As soon as mine could sit, I had them sitting beside me with a pot of soil a plastic fork and shovel as I planted and nurtured our garden.
As things like cherry tomatoes ripened, I would hand those to them and baby strawberries and they were devoured instantly.
I really encourage you to give it a go, if you don’t already grow your own herbs and if you are already – perhaps get your children involved if you haven’t yet.
Basil was the first herb I introduced my boys to.
One of my most liked salads is “Fresh n Fruity salad”– very simple, Apples, Carrots & Courgettes a little orange juice and some avocado extra virgin olive oil and basil!
Gives 3 of the 5plus a day, although more is even better 😊 preferably home grown or organic if you can find a good source and afford it. Otherwise try to find as fresh as you can.
Therefore, growing as much as you can yourself as it tastes much better- great for the
self-esteem of those participating in the growing process -much cheaper in the long run. Especially if you save the seeds, dry them out to re-crop. So much fun and so gratifying.
With the added benefit of you knowing exactly where your food is coming from.
*tip: foods that can be easily frozen are great way to have quick easy access when time is short, or out of season and the times you haven’t been able to get to the market.
Most fruits and vegetables can be frozen fresh, so buying more when in season and generally cheaper can be cost effective over time.
| Freeze fruits & vegetables quickly by spreading them in a single layer on a sheet of baking paper on flat tray . When the produce is frozen solid, store in air-tight containers or freezer bags. Fill hard-sided containers to the top and remove as much air as possible from freezer bags, if using them. Be sure to date the packages. |
A great educational process is to get your kids growing from the seeds, to picking the crop. This obviously includes weeding, feeding and watering. Getting up early in the morning to de-caterpillar the effected crops!
It can be lots of fun and quite satisfying to save the crop! (I am sure most of them will have done this at school already) or at home with you.
Learning to compost effectively and sustainably is, in the long run worth the initial angst, trust me. The reward once you have nailed it is very satisfying!
It is also amazing what you can grow is a very small area!
If this is your first attempt at gardening your local garden centers are generally very helpful, I encourage you to make those working there your friends.
You will find most centers have someone whose specialty is vegetable gardens.
Enjoy time in your garden with your children ~ I hope you have as much fun and I did with mine X
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