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Guest Blogger: Rebecca Nocentino
Herbs are an important ingredient to any great recipe when it comes to cooking. Rosemary, Sage, Cilantro and ginger are just a few examples of the basic herbs used in any recipe. But, what actually are herbs, and how are they beneficial?
Herbs are the leafy part of the plant, sometimes flowering, that can be used for eating. Sometimes herbs are dried out, but they can also be used fresh, as well. They are an essential part of the cooking and culinary scene. In Italian cooking, Basil is often used. Like many other herbs, Basil is best used in about…anything! It can be paired with salads, soups, sandwiches, and even fruit. Some other examples of herbs best used in cooking are cilantro, rosemary, cinnamon, and lavender.
Not only are herbs helpful in the kitchen, they can even be beneficial when it comes to medicine and health, too! Ginger, one of the more popular herbs in medicine, and it was originally used in Asia for medicine. Since then, ginger’s healing properties are renowned all over the world. It has a variety of properties, such as anti-emetic, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Since ginger is natural, some people may prefer using it to drugs prescribed by doctors which have the same effects. Some other herbs that are popular in medicine and health are chamomile, garlic, feverfew and ginseng. (Disclaimer- this information is not intended for Medicinal purposes, please contact your medical practitioner for any uses).
Herbs many uses do not stop at cooking and medicine. In many cultures around the world, herbs hold a significant role in spirituality. They are thought to be able to cleanse the spirit. One sacred herb used for spirituality purposes is sage. Sage, or salvia, means “to heal” in Latin. In Shamanic ceremonies, sage is burned and is said to cleanse the air around it from bad energy and negative spirits. According to this ceremony, any anger, evil or negative energy is absorbed in the smoke and no longer resides in the air where it once did. The smoke from dried, white sage is actually proven to change the ionic composition in the air, therefore having a direct correlation on lessening somebody’s stress response. Some other examples of herbs used for spiritual purposes are holy basil, he shou wu, and reishi.
Of course, for your convenience you can buy the majority of herbs at your local grocery store. But, there is also the possibly of growing them in your own backyard! You do not have to be a professional botanist or somebody who gardens all the time in order to get the hang of creating your own herb garden. First, you need to make sure you have enough room to plant each plant about 1-4 feet apart. This is essential so each plant can thrive and grow with ample amount of space. Next, make sure your soil is ready and prepared! To do this, make sure the soil is loose, so the roots are able to spread out in the soil. You can do this by taking a large garden fork and digging around. Now, you’re ready to plant! Plant each herb in the soil, and water them accordingly to when the soil above is dry.
Herbs are more than just a tasty zest or spice added to recipe, even though they’re great for that, too! They are beneficial when it comes to medical needs and spirituality, as well. Even though herbs possess astonishing benefits inside and outside of the kitchen, they are not hard at all to get your hands on. Planting your own garden, or even just picking some up from the store, is a great way to become more in touch with herbs and experience the many positive benefits they possess for yourself.
May 15th- Cooking with Italian Herbs- hope to see you at my cooking demo at the Farmhouse at Tamanend Park in Southampton, Pa at 7:30, please email info@marialiberati.com reservations required but event is FREE and open to the Public.
For more great recipes, get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions
