A brief guide to herbs
In addition to the familiar herbs dill, parsley, and basil,
Stockmann Delicatessen's vegetable department has dozens of other
fresh herbs that open the door to a totally new world of flavours.
You can easily make everyday food more tasty using herbs, or use
herbs to season festive delicacies.
So don't be shy to try out the herbs from our vegetable department!
When you know a few basic facts about fresh herbs, the only limit
to their use is your imagination.
Carrying herbs home from the shop
If you are shopping in the winter, herbs should be protected against the cold. Carry them home in a sealed, thermally insulated bag, or wrap them in a newspaper.
Correct storage
Store potted herbs in a vertical position in the door
compartment of a refrigerator or cool cupboard, in their own
plastic bags, except for basil and lemon balm.
Basil and lemon balm are sensitive to the cold and should be stored
at room temperature. Remove the plastic wrap from around them,
place them with their pot into a protective container, and water
them like a potted plant.
Try out different combinations
It’s a good idea to find out about herbs one at a time, so that you become familiar with what flavours fit various foods and you maintain a balance in the foods. Once you are more familiar with the flavours of herbs, you can try out different combinations of herbs. Add fresh herbs to the food only at the end so that the flavour is preserved.
Correct treatment
Chop herbs using a chopper, sharp knife or kitchen scissors just before using them. You can tear soft-leaved herbs (such as basil) into fine pieces with your fingers. The stems of delicate herbs should be chopped into the food, too. Lightly crushing herbs in a mortar breaks their surface and the taste is transferred to the food. When cooking, keep in mind that one teaspoon of dried herbs corresponds to about two tablespoons of fresh, chopped herbs.
Keeping herbs fresh
Chop fresh herbs and divide them into portions in small containers or plastic bags, and place the portions into the freezer immediately. By using frozen fresh herbs, you can make normal everyday food, such as pizza heated in the oven, delicious in a moment by sprinkling herbs from the freezer over the hot pizza.
Storage of herbs
Fresh herbs can be stored in oil or vinegar, which are good at extracting the flavours of herbs. Home-made herb oil or herb vinegar is suitable for cooking, seasoning, and salad dressings or tastes great as is on top of bread. Herb oil can be made from all herbs, and it’s easy to make. Mix chopped herbs, cooking oil, a dash of salt and black pepper in a blender into a smooth mixture. Herb oil can be preserved in a bottle in the refrigerator for about a week.
