Good cooking is an art, as well as a form of intense pleasure… A recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with a variation. – Madame Jehane Benoit, chef
The first and most obvious reason for cooking with herbs and spices is that they can transform your ordinary recipes into exciting culinary experiences. But there are even more good reasons to master the magic of cooking with herbs and spices:
- They will stretch your budget. By using herbs and spices in your everyday cooking, you can turn cheap staple ingredients into tasty dishes.
- They offer you variety and gastronomic delight for every individual in the family.
- You can easily make your own connoisseur pantry products like herb oils, vinegars, and mustards, which make great gifts. You can even turn this hobby into a part-time or full-time business venture.
- It is always a pleasure to receive compliments for our culinary creations. Herbs and spices will certainly earn you compliments when entertaining friends and family. Used skilfully they really are the ‘cherry on the cake’ for all your dishes.
Then for the more health conscious amongst us, there are many more advantages:
- Fresh herbs especially are wonderful sources of concentrated micro-nutrients, like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. All of these are in an unadulterated natural form.
- In these times of ‘instant’ vegetables – in tins and frozen packs – it is clear that herbs and spices can do much to improve the taste and nutritional value of our veggies.
- Certain herbs and spices will stimulate your appetite and improve your digestion and general health and well-being.
- They are vital in low salt and low-fat diets.
One can truly say that herbs and spices give your cooking that ‘something special’!
Pause and Reflect
Which of the above benefits resonates the most with you? Share your thoughts in a Reply below.
Fresh herbs especially are wonderful sources of concentrated micro-nutrients, like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. All of these are in an unadulterated natural form.
turning the hobby to a business.
The art in itself of combining different tastes and flavors excite me
I already enjoy the benefits of cooking with herbs and spice in all my dishes
I love cooking with herbs but didnt realize the concentration of micro nutrients.
I love using herbs in my cooking! When blending herbs together in a meal, its like making magic. The food and drinks taste so much better. The added bonus is that is good for your health.
Certain herbs and spices will stimulate your appetite and improve your digestion and general health and well-being. !!!
Adding of herbs and spices does not only improve the tast but is great for your body too, mostly I forget this when cooking.
My connoisseur pantry and making gifts for the cooks in my family.
Never thought that the herbs I used in my cooking had health benefits.
I have used herbs in cooking for a long time but had not thought about the health advantages to them
Using herbs in vinegars and oils and other culinary treats.
The bigger stretching. It’s because sometimes I get seeds from then also. Once they start growing; I start saving money.
I love to boost both the flavor and nutritional benefits of the foods we’re eating. I cook from scratch, and herbs/spices are key ingredients in most recipes! I also like making herbal creations, for several reasons; knowing exactly what’s in the product, increasing the nutritional aspect (not just focused on flavor), avoiding unwanted additives, saving money, and it’s fun and satisfying!
I use a variety of fresh and dried herbs and spices daily to flavor food but also as health tonics. Especially turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, ginger, rosemary, basil and thyme.
Well, for me it is important to use certain herbs in my cooking. I have a Pita body and cannot eat too many hot things. That said, I need to eat a lot of warming spices like turmeric and black pepper and cardamom (etc) to assist my “digestive flame”.
Using Fresh herbs because of the wonderful sources of concentrated micro-nutrients, like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
I like the ability and simplicity of using herbs from my garden to make my food tastier and more nutritious
The golden tea:
Almond milk, Tumeric, Black pepper, ginger and cinnamon combo has helped me through my period of chemo