Savory is an aromatic herb available in both annual and perennial forms, known for its peppery, slightly pungent flavor that blends hints of thyme and mint. It has slender, dark green leaves and produces clusters of small white to pale pink flowers in mid to late summer. Summer Savory is more delicate and mild, while Winter Savory has a stronger, sharper taste and woody stems. Savory is a traditional seasoning for beans, lentils, sausages, poultry, and stuffing, and is often used in herb blends like Herbes de Provence.
Varieties: Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) and Winter Savory (Satureja montana).
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Chives
Chives is a bulbous perennial herb belonging to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. Chives have long green stems and a mild, not-too-pungent flavor. The green stems are the part of the chives that are used as a herb. Chive stems are hollow and are usually used fresh. In terms of culinary appeal, the flavor of chives is considerably milder and more subtle than onion or garlic and its leaves can be used to flavor salads, dips, soups, stews, vinegars, cheese dishes sour cream and butter. Dried chives are excellent additions to soups and salads, as well as dips, soft cheeses and herbal butters. As an added bonus, chives is a good source of vitamin C.
Varieties: Garlic, Gigantic Garlic, Onion
Coriander
Coriander is a spice which is a member of the parsley family. The leaves of the plant are also commonly called cilantro, which comes from the Spanish word for coriander, or Chinese parsley. It has a penetrating odor and flavor.
Coriander roots also appear in culinary use as a pungent addition to curries. It is best used fresh, added just before food has finished cooking as it is sensitive to heat and loses aroma. Its seeds are used in curries and many other types of dishes, including pickled foods and some aromatic alcohols like gin. Cilantro is most often associated with Mexican or Asian foods. It is most commonly used in salsa, fish and chicken dishes. Spice up meat dishes, garnish your fish… coriander is the jewel in the crown, adding spice to your life.
Varieties: Desert Blush, Santo
Marjoram
Marjoram is a tender perennial herb, often grown as an annual in cooler climates, with small, oval, gray-green leaves and a sweet, aromatic scent. It forms a bushy mound and produces clusters of tiny white or pale pink flowers in mid to late summer. The flavor is warm, slightly citrusy, and more delicate than oregano, to which it is closely related. Marjoram is commonly used to season meats, sausages, soups, stews, and Mediterranean dishes, and is excellent in herb blends and dressings.
Varieties: Sweet Marjoram, (Origanum majorana), Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), and Pot Marjoram (Origanum onites).
Thai Basil
Thai Basil is a fragrant, heat-loving perennial herb (grown as an annual in cooler regions) with narrow, pointed green leaves, purple stems, and mauve flower spikes. It has a distinctive sweet, spicy aroma with strong notes of anise and licorice, and its leaves are sturdier and more flavorful than common sweet basil. Thai basil retains its flavor well when cooked, making it ideal for stir-fries, curries, soups, and noodle dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Varieties: Queen of Siam, Siam Queen, and Horapha (common Thai variety).
