By Bornika Das
For thousand of years, herbs and spices are known to add flavours and nutrition to meals. Besides, they have been used as staple in modern cooking. Not only they provide taste and flavour to food, but also contribute to health benefits.
Herbs are the leaves of the plants while spices come from seeds, berries, roots, and bark of the plants. Different herbs and spices are used in different cuisines.
Herbs and spices not only ass flavour to dishes but also stimulate our senses. They add smell to foods. They contain volatile compounds that stimulate our sense of smell and create a more complex flavor profile
Cooking with herbs and spices is experimenting with different flavour combination. Some popular combination includes Basil and oregano for Italian dishes, Cumin and coriander for Indian dishesRosemary and thyme for Mediterranean dishes, and Sage and thyme for roasted meats
Timing is everything when it comes to cooking with herbs and spices. Some herbs and spices are add towards the beginning of cooking, while some are added towards the end.
Fresh herbs have more flavour than dried herbs. However, they can be more expensive and harder to find. Fried herbs are more convenient and have longer shelf life.
They add flavour to the dish without relying on salt and sugar. This reduce your sodium and sugar intake, but it will also add new and exciting flavors to your meals.
Herbs and spices can also be used in cocktails or homebrews to add unique and interesting flavors. When using herbs and spices in cocktails or homebrews, it's important to start with a small amount and taste as you go, as the flavors can quickly become overpowering.