Herbs are the unsung hero of dishes—they pack tons of flavor and they’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Now’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh herbs. Toss them into sauces, dips, and pesto, use them as garnishes, or add them to your favorite drinks—there’s a ton you can do with herbs. Here are the five most common herbs and how to use them.
Mint
Mint comes in over 600 varieties and it’s sweet and refreshing. Sprinkle mint over fresh berries, melons, or plums with a drizzle of honey or add it to iced or hot tea.
Parsley
Parsley has a grassy flavor and it can makes meals more vibrant. Make a parsley sauce and top grilled or roasted carrots with it or use it as a garnish.
Chives
Chives have notes of garlic and onion, so they make great alternatives to them. Blend chopped chives into cashew cream and make a plant-based spread, add chive blossoms to salads, or steep them in vinegar for a vinagrette.
Sage
Sage has hints of mint, lemon, and pepper, giving it a hearty taste. Sauté sage leaves in a skillet with olive oil until crisp and garnish savory or sweet dishes with it. You can also add sage to a tomato sauce or use it in cocktails.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a woodsy flavor and it’s best sprinkled over vegetables before grilling or roasting them. You can also finely chop it and add it to a marinade or garnish dishes with it.
