Our Handy Green Queen Guide to Fresh Herbs


3 Mins Read

Herbs are often ignored, which is a shame- because they are a brilliant way to add flavor to your food, not to mention the incredibly varied healthy benefits they bestow. Make every meal a herby one with our handy guide!

Rosemary

  • Rosemary is rich in calcium and vitamin B6- the latter of which can be difficult for vegetarians to come by so load up on it.
  • The herb also enhances memory and concentration.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Rosemary pairs perfectly with lamb, no matter which way your cook your meat.   

Fresh Basil - Herbs Guide

Basil

  • Basil is full of potassium- a much needed essential mineral for optimal health.
  • It is also super high in antioxidants- great to help stave off cancer.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: This sweet herb is the main ingredient in Italian pesto- just add pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and some Parmigiano-Reggiano if you eat dairy!

Cilantro/Coriander/Chinese Parsley

  • The potassium in cilantro helps control your heart rate and blood pressure.
  • The herb contains citronelol, a compound that promotes fresh breath. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Add to homemade salsa- just mix with chopped tomatoes, chiles and red onion. 

Tarragon

  • It is packed with iron, which is great for your red blood cell count as well as those who suffer from anemia.
  • Tarragon is an appetite stimulant- useful for those who need to increase their food intake.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Make a tarragon and mustard marinade for roast chicken- the herb comes on strong so is best used for blander dishes.

Flat Leaf Parsley - Herbs Guide

Flat Leaf Parsley/ Italian Parsley

  • Contains folic acid that helps to speed up metabolism and is vital to pregnant women.
  • High in vitamin A which soothes tired and dry eyes-great for all of us screen addicts. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Chopped parsley with cooked lentils, green beans and olive oil make a lovely Mediterranean salad.

Sage

  • Sage consumption can lower blood sugar levels- great for diabetics and those with insulin resistance.
  • As an anti-inflammatory, it can be helpful with arthritis. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Try sautéing mushrooms with sage and olive oil for a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Dill

  • Dill essential oil alleviates insomnia and helps to ensure a restful sleep.
  • The herb is also anti-bacterial.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Dill is a great addition to potato salad or poached fish dishes.

Thyme - Herbs Guide

Thyme

  • Its vitamin A gives you good skin quality and improves vision.
  • Rich in vitamin C, which keeps your immune system strong.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Stuff bunches in a chicken cavity along with garlic and lemon wedges for the perfect roast.

Oregano

  • Oregano is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, the essential oil can be used topically against microbes.
  • The herb helps relieve respiratory tract conditions like sore throats and bronchitis.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Make a classic and refreshing Greek salad with oregano, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese.

Mint - Herbs Guide

Mint

  • Inhale fresh mint leaves or mint essential oil for quick headache relief.
  • Great for digestive issues- helps with nausea, indigestion and bloating.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Add mint to filtered water with a touch of lemon to jazz up your eight glasses a day.


Photo credit: 100, 000 views!!! THANK YOU! Rita via photopin cc.

Author

  • Sonalie Figueiras

    Serial social entrepreneur Sonalie Figueiras is the founder & editor-in-chief of Green Queen, an award-winning impact media platform advocating for social & environmental change in Hong Kong with a mission to shift consumer behaviour through inspiring & empowering original content. She is also the founder & CEO of SourceGreenPackaging,com, the global wholesale eCom marketplace for sustainable packaging products, Ekowarehouse, the global sourcing platform for certified organic products, with a mission to make safe, quality food accessible & affordable for the whole planet. With over a decade of experience in publishing, digital marketing, organic trade and health & sustainability, she is an eco wellness industry veteran with a keen eye for market trends and a sought-after international speaker and moderator, sharing her expertise on stages across Asia and beyond, including TEDx and Harvard Business School.


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