How to Cook with Herbs for Health

• 1). Read your recipe. Look at what herbs are required for the dish. Also, look to see if you can add or substitute herbs to increase the flavor. Often you can reduce the need for salt in a dish if you have adequate herb seasoning.
  
  
• 2). Determine if you will be using fresh or dried herbs. Dried herbs are more potent in flavor than fresh herbs, therefore you will need more fresh herbs to meet the same flavor standard. However, dried herbs don't have as high a nutritional value as fresh herbs. So if you are able to, grab some fresh parsley or rosemary from the garden. If the recipe calls for dried herbs, you probably will need twice the amount of fresh herbs--different herbs will flavor differently, so trying experimenting with each dish.
  
  
• 3). Clean and prepare your herbs. You won't need to do much if you are using dried herbs. But if you are using fresh herbs, make sure to wash them thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria, dirt or possible pesticide exposure. Cut them to the size you want for your dish or place them in a blender to make a puree that you might want to make a marinade with.
  
  
• 4). Cook your dish. Most recipes automatically assume you will be using dried herbs. If you are, follow the recipe and include the herbs as the recipe indicates. If you are using fresh herbs, wait until the recipe is close to being completed to add the herbs. This will help them retain their nutritional value while adding the flavor you want.
  
  
• 5). Add a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs on the dish as a garnish before serving. This will make it look better and add additional health value.
  
  
• 6). Stock your cupboard. If you rely on dried herbs, make sure you go through your cupboard annually to replenish your stock. Herbs lose their nutritional and flavor potency after a year.