| The rich delights of fine Italian cuisine is enjoyed | | | | The herb will deliver the most flavor when harvested |
| everywhere in the world. The colorful array of flavors | | | | only once lovely small purple flowers start to sprout. |
| that excites the pallet can be largely attributed to the | | | | Be patient, it is definitively worth the wait. |
| refined blend of herbs that has been grown by this fine | | | | 5. Sage is a herb that graces many different Italian |
| nation for centuries in herb gardens | | | | recipes ranging from salads to meats. It is strongly |
| Almost everyone prepares Italian cuisine at home for | | | | advised to keep the plants well trimmed when growing |
| their families and many grows the plants in their own | | | | this herb for the new shoots are the most flavorful |
| garden to keep at hand a fresh and flavorful supply | | | | part of the plant. You should harvest the sage plants |
| for preparing these wonderful meals. If you wish to | | | | only after they have bloomed. |
| start this fine hobby for yourself, this is a list of the 7 | | | | 6. Rosemary is a perennial plant that forms a rather |
| most used herbs to assure a complete authentic Italian | | | | big shrub that sprouts beautiful blue flowers. This plant |
| herb garden. | | | | is valuable in the garden for its ability to attract bees, |
| 1. Garlic is probably the most used herb to be grown in | | | | thus keeping them away from other plants. Keep in |
| the garden and is the basic ingredient in many Italian | | | | mind though that rosemary is easily affected by frost. |
| dishes. One thing is certain, a garden that doesn't grow | | | | 7. Fennel is used when making Italian sausages that |
| garlic cannot be considered an Italian garden. This herb | | | | adds a distinctive exciting flavor to the palette. This |
| can be planted and will thrive requiring very little | | | | perennial plant must be divided and replanted every |
| attention. Once harvested, they can be frozen or | | | | 2-3 years because once the fennel plant has reached |
| pickled and stored in the refrigerator for later use. | | | | maturity there is a noticeable loss of flavor. |
| 2. Basil is among the most commonly used herb. Its | | | | With these herbs growing in your Italian herb garden |
| distinctive flavor is the soul of Italian cuisine and it also | | | | you'll be able to use fresh basil when preparing a |
| offer certain benefits to the garden itself. This herb | | | | tomato based Italian meal or oregano with fried foods |
| repels flies and mosquitoes in the garden and, if planted | | | | and grilled meats. Sage has a peppery flavor that is |
| nearby, will improve the taste of tomatoes and | | | | magnificent with meat dishes, Italian salads and |
| peppers. | | | | dressings. It will also be a welcomed addition to stuffing |
| 3. Another herb that is widely used to garnish many | | | | for poultry, pork, lamb or seafood. |
| dishes is parsley and can be eaten fresh and raw. An | | | | Of course there are many other herbs that can be |
| interesting fact about this herb is that it has the quality | | | | added to the garden that are used for Italian dishes but |
| of absorbing the odors of ones breath after a tasty | | | | these 7 herbs described above is a great start and will |
| meal. This tradition is quite old and is still being practiced | | | | be sufficient for a large variety of recipes. Of course, |
| nowadays. | | | | you can balance them to your particular taste and |
| 4. Oregano is a decorative and has a very distinctive | | | | needs. Be sure to consider the growing needs of each |
| flavor that is strong enough to hold its own in any meal. | | | | herb you plant. |