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| History of Herbs |
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Basil has a rich and complex past. The name is said to be an abbreviation of Basilikon phuton, Greek for "kingly herb," and it was thought to have grown around Christ’s tomb after the resurrection. Some culinary uses for basil include sprinkling over salads, sliced tomatoes and pizza. Basil combines very well with garlic and is a must for Italian cooking. Basil, combined with crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, lemon peel, beaten egg and chopped nuts makes an interesting stuffing for chicken.Chives are very ancient. They were used in China as long ago as 300 B.C., but were not cultivated in European gardens until the 16th century. The West first heard about chives from Marco Polo. Culinary uses for chives are as a garnish or flavor in omelets or scrambled eggs, salad, and soups. They can be mashed into soft cheeses or sprinkled on grilled meats. Add to sour cream as a filling for baked potatoes. Coriander is a native of southern Europe and the Middle East and was popular in England until Tudor times. Before departing from Europe, many early settlers to America included coriander seeds, as did Spaniards heading to Mexico. Culinary purposes include using the ground seed in tomato chutney, ratatouille, frankfurters, curries and also in apple pies, cakes, biscuits and marmalade. Add whole seeds to soups, sauces and vegetable dishes. The fresh lower leaves, often called cilantro, can be added to salads, vegetables and poultry dishes. Lemon Balm is native to central Europe and was used by the Greeks 2,000 years ago. Thought to attract bees, sprigs were placed in empty hives or planted near residences to stimulate honey production. Culinary uses are limited. Some chefs add the fresh leaves to vinegar, wine, teas and beers. It is also chopped and added to fish and mushroom dishes, or added to soft cheeses. Parsley is native to central and southern Europe. The Greeks associated parsley with Archemorus, the Herald of Death, and leaves were used to decorate their tombs. Hercules was said to have chosen this plant for more ornate purposes by having it woven into the crown of victors at the Isthmian Games. While the Greeks preferred not to eat the herb, large quantities were fed to horses. The Romans, however, consumed parsley while also using its unique leaf for garland and decoration purposes. Parsley is a widely used culinary herb today, valued for its taste as well as its rich nutritional content. Cooking with parsley enhances the flavor of other foods and herbs. If you can imagine it, use it! Sage, a large family of over 750 species, is widely distributed throughout the world. The Greeks discovered and used sage for medicinal purposes. Considered sacred, the Romans utilized this herb in sacred ceremonies. Sage has often been misused and misjudged in the culinary world. Used with discretion, it adds a lovely flavor to many foods. It also makes a delicious herb jelly, and adds zip to oil and vinegar. Yarrow is found all over the world and is common to North America. This ancient herb was used by the Greeks for its medicinal purposes. Culinary uses are limited. Young leaves can be used in salads. Other uses include drying the flower heads for winter decoration or other craft projects. This unassuming plant also harbors great powers! One small leaf will speed the decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost! This is just a sample of the many herbs that are stocked at Phelan Gardens. Stop by to check our selection and start your herb garden today. For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members. Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round! For additional information, check the following links: |
The next time you are planting or caring for your herbs, consider
this: you may be touching a piece of history! True herbs may be connected to an ancient
civilization. Let’s look at a few of the favorites: