The Benefits of Growing Herbs with Greg Wilson

Since beginning No Longer a Grim Girl, I have met some new friends.  One of my new friends is Greg Wilson with Health Nutrition Technology - the makers of Health One Meal Replacement. When asked if he would be interested in being a guest blogger, I received a resounding "YES!"  And his next words were, "How about herbs?"  What a perfect topic!  Herbs are such fragrant little friends.

So, it is with much excitement that we welcome our guest blogger, Greg Wilson with Health Nutrition Technology.

The Benefits of Growing Herbs

Greg and Hannah Wilson's Herb Garden

When I was a kid, learning how to cook in my mother’s kitchen, I thought cooking was all about picking the right spices.  I thought that old cupboard full of intense smells, colors and exotic names was where the magic all happened.   And to an extent, that version of cooking has held up to the scrutiny of years.  To an extent, it hasn’t. 

It wasn’t really until I started growing and using fresh herbs that I started to rethink what flavor was.    Dried herbs and spices have a proud position in culinary tradition, especially in dishes that can withstand the “volume”.  But if you’re looking for simple and fresh, you really don’t need an alchemist’s training.  A few simple herbs, picked fresh, and added at the final stage to a summer meal- that’s as delicious as it is easy.   Start with some easy and rewarding classics like common thyme, Greek oregano, or Berggarten sage.

Step One:   

The beauty of herb gardening is that many of them are hearty, and some are both cold and draught tolerant.  If you’re picking a fussy herb, you can always plant in a pot- that way it’ll be mobile until you find the right amount of sun and heat for it.  A great resource for Westerners to decide on which plant is right for your specific climate is the Sunset Western Garden:  http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/
(NOTE:  the Sunset website offers climate zone information for the entire US).

Step Two:  

Get hungry.  The beauty of cooking with fresh herbs is that you can make a simple and healthy meal taste like something rich and full.  Fresh herbs can add aroma, visual contrast, temperature (e.g. the cooling effect of mint), flavor and complexity to a dish.  How plain is baked chicken breast compared to chicken roasted with lemon and thyme?

Step Three:  

Have fun.  Growing herbs can turn into anything from a landscape design passion to an exploration in cooking tradition.  It’s exercise, it’s cheap, and it can provide a whole new inspiration to your quest for healthy living.  Now go get planting!