Aromatics are among the essentials for a successful and delicious preparation . They should not be confused with spices which have a different preservation method.
The most common herbs are mint, chives, basil , dill, lemon balm and tarragon. Coriander is also an aromatic plant widely used in the culinary field but its taste is not necessarily unanimous.
We also have thyme and rosemary which represent typical aromatics of Mediterranean cuisine . They recall the sun and summer at the time of tasting. The only downside lies in the conservation of these aromatics.
Indeed, the latter tend to wilt quickly. But thanks to this tip , you can always have them fresh for a month.
Why should you always have herbs on hand?
Herbs add flavor to preparations. To make them appetizing, the aromatics first provide a good smell . Then, they combine with another particular ingredient to please the palate.
This is the case, for example, of salad with tomatoes and mozzarella , a star summer dish, which will be enhanced by fresh basil leaves . The power of aromatics lies in its ability to pamper the nostrils even before tasting.
In the case of spices, the idea is to rely on the strong smell to enhance the flavor of the preparations. Spices contribute to the taste signature of dishes. This is the reason why some dishes expressly mention the spice used, as is the case with chicken curry.
Thanks to this foolproof tip, keep your herbs fresh for up to a month
Lucky are those who have a planter or even a balcony to plant aromatic herbs . This is not only a way to always have some on hand but also to have varieties that are not sold in the supermarket.
If you want to have fresh herbs for a month, here are the steps to follow:
- Cut two to three centimeters from the bottom of the aromatic stems;
- If you wash the herbs, remember to dry them well before proceeding;
- Place the cut herbs in a glass with distilled water;
- Put the glass in the fridge or cover with plastic wrap;
- Open the fridge every time you need fresh herbs;
- Remember to check the water quality every three or four days and change if necessary.