Ever heard of ‘wild marjoram’? Get to know your herbs

Herbs are broadly defined as any type of plant material used for scent or flavour or medicinal or spiritual purposes. Thousands of herbs are used all over the world for these purposes.

In cooking, herbs are used primarily for adding scent and flavour to foods. Most types of herbs used in cooking are leaves of some type of plant, but some herbs are flowers as well.

Unlike many other cultures where salt and black pepper is considered seasoning, Caribbean cuisine is one that is quite different. No dish is complete without an assortment or blend of herbs.

In Trinidad & Tobago, our markets are packed with an assortment of fresh herbs weekly. These include:

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Parsley is one of the most widely grown herbs in the world. It is a hardy, biennial herb that grows in two distinct forms: flat leaf and moss curled. It has a mild, bitter flavour that greatly enhances soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Parsley is also consumed for its natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune system and aids in digestion.

Mint (Mentha)- Mint is an extremely hardy, perennial plant. It is one of the most aromatic and fragrant herbs. This is why the essential oil from mint is popularly used in perfumed scents and fragrances. Mint has long been used as an herbal remedy to treat several ailments like chest pains, stomach aches, nausea, etc. In fact, practitioners of traditional medicine have found evidence that mint might just be able to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)- This is a tall herb with super thin and fine leathery foliage that often ranges from dark green to bluish-green in colour. It has a slightly bitter and sharp taste that provides a flavourful kick to the food. Dill has a surprising amount of health benefits, some of which include low cholesterol levels, relief from insomnia and diarrhea, ease of digestion and relief from flatulence.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)- Basil is an annual herb that has an anise-like flavour and a very intense clove-like aroma. Fresh basil is highly aromatic and is often used as a garnish on most foods to enhance their smell and aroma.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)- This is a perennial, evergreen shrub that is also known as garden sage and common sage. Sage-infused tea is consumed as an effective remedy to treat various gastric ailments, throat and mouth infections, as well as brain disorders.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – This woody perennial, evergreen shrub has to be one of the most flavourful and aromatic herbs. Rosemary is a super powerful natural remedy for relieving pain and soothing indigestion. The aroma of rosemary helps relieve everyday stress and anxiety, and calm the mind.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)- This herb is an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin A that is essential for nail, eye, and skin health. It also consists of anti-biotic and antiseptic properties that help combat against coughs, colds, and allergies.

Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – Cilantro is a herb and coriander, is usually referred to coriander seeds. This has to be the most commonly and popularly consumed herb all over the world due to its amazingly versatile flavour profile and aroma.

Culantro/Shadon Beni (Eryngium foetidum)- Culantro is an herb that has a similar aroma and flavour to cilantro, but they are not the same plant. It has long, serrated leaves and looks a bit like long-leafed lettuce. Culantro has a stronger flavour than cilantro and is therefore used in smaller amounts.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)- Fennel leaves have a sweetish flavour with a mild spice kick and a very earthy scent. In terms of health and nutrition, fennel is rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and iron. It significantly improves bone health, maintains blood pressure, fights inflammation, and boosts the overall metabolism of the body.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) – Also known as Estragon, Tarragon is a perennial herb that belongs to the sunflower family. This amazing herb is a great source of essential minerals and vitamins like magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Tarragon is also often freshly brewed to make herbal tea or any other hot beverage which is believed to relieve stress and anxiety. Chewing on fresh tarragon leaves also helps numb mouth pain and kill germs that lead to bad breath.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)- This is a perennial herb that belongs to the same family as leeks, garlic, and onion. Chives grow in the form of clumps in the underground bulbs and result in round and hollow leaves that are super fine in shape and texture.

Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis) – Bay leaves are probably the most aromatic of all the herbs and are best known for their incredible scent that smells like a mixture of mints, cloves, and balsam. This fragrance coupled with a sharp, peppery taste has made this herb quite popular in food dishes like rich, hearty stews and soups.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – This is a loose, open, perennial plant that belongs to the mint family and is also known as ‘wild marjoram’. Oregano leaves also release distilled oils that are used as an effective remedy for indigestion, respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and fungal infections.

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