| Italians insist upon fresh ingredients in their food, and | | | | Rosemary is another widely available herb and |
| their herbs are no exception. There are a variety of | | | | resembles a little branch from an evergreen tree. This |
| fresh herbs common in Italian cooking. Most people are | | | | is one of the most fragrant of all the fresh herbs and it |
| familiar with the little bottles of dried herbs from the | | | | will retain its flavor and aroma when dried. It's excellent |
| grocery store, but if you haven't prepared food with | | | | with vegetables and is often cooked into the dough of |
| fresh herbs, you really need to give it a try. | | | | breads like focaccia. |
| What's the distinction between an herb and a spice? | | | | Sage has long, broad leaves and is the herb which |
| Spices are made from the seeds, root, fruit or barks | | | | flavors the traditional Italian Saltimbocca dish. Sage is |
| of aromatic plants, while the herbs primarily consist of | | | | also very fragrant so be sure you don't use too much |
| the leaves and stems. Herb plants contain oils which | | | | and overwhelm your meal. |
| are very fragrant and add the distinctive aroma and | | | | Thyme is another herb of the mint family, but in |
| flavor that Italian food is known for. | | | | contrast to the other mints, it has tiny leaves that can |
| A few of the most common herbs are basil, oregano, | | | | easily be thrown whole into your sauce or dish. I use |
| parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme. | | | | this herb frequently because its mild flavor goes well |
| Basil is a member of the mint family, and like all mint | | | | with everything and won't overshadow the rest of |
| herbs, it is extremely fragrant when picked fresh. Basil | | | | your dish. |
| leaves blacken when exposed to metal, therefore it is | | | | There are some basic rules for cooking with fresh |
| common in Italy to tear the leaves by hand before | | | | herbs. Fresh herbs are more delicate than dried and |
| throwing the basil into a sauce or onto a dish. Basil is | | | | can lose some of their flavor when cooked too long. |
| the primary herb for the famous pesto sauce. | | | | For slow cooked sauces and meats, you can add the |
| Oregano is another popular herb in both Italian and | | | | fresh herbs at the last minute keeping their flavors and |
| Greek food. Most people are familiar with this herb in | | | | aromas intact. On the other hand, the oils in dried herbs |
| tomato based pasta sauces and with meats. | | | | are concentrated requiring a smaller amount of than |
| Italian Parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, is readily | | | | fresh herbs in your recipes. A good general rule of |
| available in most grocery stores and is easy to | | | | thumb is to use one tablespoon of fresh herbs for |
| distinguish it from the curly variety frequently used as a | | | | every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs needed in a dish. But |
| garnish. Italians favor this parsley for cooking because | | | | remember, cooking is an art and you can use as much |
| it has a much better flavor, while the curlier variety is | | | | or as little as you like. |
| best saved for garnishing your dish. | | | | |