istock_000027806222_fullIt’s easy to add more pizzazz to your fruits and veggies when you know what to pair them with! Here are some tips on working with herbs:

  1. Dried herbs are three to four times stronger than fresh herbs. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon(15ml) fresh herbs, substitute 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried and vice versa.
  2. Cut or chop leaves of fresh herbs finely. The more cut surface exposed, the more flavour will be released.
  3. Rubbing dried herbs between your fingers will expose more surface area and release more flavour.
  4. Delicate aromas and flavours of herbs can be lost with overcooking.
  5. Save a few of the most attractive herb leaves for sprigs to use as a garnish.
  6. Fresh herbs freeze easily. Wash, pat dry, and freeze in airtight containers. Don’t thaw before adding to dishes as frozen herbs darken and become limp when thawed. You can even freeze them in olive oil for some extra flavour.
via The Kitchen

via The Kitchen

Wondering what goes with what? Here are some suggestions as to which herbs pair nicely with specific fruits and veggies:

Vegetables

ARTICHOKE – bay leaf, marjoram, thyme
ASPARAGUS – caraway, mustard, nutmeg, sesame seed, tarragon
BEANS, WAX OR GREEN – basil, dill, marjoram, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, savory, thyme
BEETS – allspice, bay leaf, caraway, cloves, ginger, mustard
BROCCOLI – caraway, mustard, oregano, tarragon, nutmeg, rosemary
BRUSSELS SPROUTS – caraway, mustard, nutmeg, sage, oregano, rosemary
CABBAGE – caraway, celery seed, cumin, curry, fennel, mustard
CARROTS – allspice, bay leaf, cinnamon, curry, dill, ginger, tarragon
CAULIFLOWER – cayenne, celery seed, chili powder, nutmeg, paprika, rosemary, marjoram, savory, lovage, dill oregano
CORN – cayenne, celery seed, chili powder, curry, paprika
CUCUMBER – dill,mint, parsley, cumin
EGGPLANT – allspice, bay leaf, chili, marjoram, oregano, basil, lovage, mint, sage, thyme, chervil, chives, fennel, garlic
MUSHROOMS – parsley, tarragon, thyme
ONIONS – bay leaf, mustard, oregano, paprika, sage
PEAS – chili, dill, oregano, poppy seed, rosemary, sage, mint, basil, savory, tarragon, thyme, parsley, lovage, fennel
POTATOES – caraway, fennel, mustard, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sesame seed, basil, marjoram, mint, savory, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, chives.
RUTABAGA – allspice, celery seed, curry powder, dill oregano
SPINACH – allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, rosemary, sesame seed, lovage, sorrel, basil, mint, tarragon, thyme, sage, marjoram, chervil, borage
SQUASH – allspice, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, paprika
SWEET POTATOES – cardamon, cinnamon, cloves nutmeg, poppy seed
TOMATOES – basil, celery seed, chile, curry, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme, fennel, dill, chervil, chives

Fruits

APPLES – allspice, anise, caraway seed, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, dill, ginger, mint, nutmeg, almond extract, citrus extract
BANANAS – allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg,
BERRIES – cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, vanilla
CHERRIES – allspice, cloves, cinnamon, mace, mint, nutmeg, almond extract, brandy, rum, vanilla
CRANBERRIES – allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, almond extract
GRAPEFRUIT – anise, cinnamon, ginger
GRAPES – allspice, cinnamon, cloves
MELONS – cardamon, ginger, mint, pepper
ORANGES – allspice, anise, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg, rosemary
PEACHES – allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, almond extract, brandy, maple flavouring, rum
PEARS – allspice, anise, cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg, maple flavouring
PINEAPPLE – allspice, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, mace, mint, nutmeg, rosemary, maple flavouring, vanilla
PLUMS – allspice, cinnamon, cloves, almond extract
RHUBARB – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, citrus extract, vanilla
STRAWBERRIES – allspice, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, vanilla, pepper

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