Everything you Need to Grow Your Own Herbs
Sometimes we all run out of an ingredient and it is important to just understand a little bit more about them in order to possibly replace when needed. Allspice and nutmeg are both super useful spices, but we just wanted to share a bit more about each of them.
When we replace oregano we can choose to use fresh or dried herbs. Best substitute is marjoram, followed by thyme, rosemary, sage and even dried basil. Often a mix is a good idea with mixed herbs or Italian Seasoning being great.
We tend to use basil as a garnish that is minty, zesty, peppery and with some intense clove like notes. Refreshing and intense in flavor a little goes a long way. Oregano is more often cooked with a dish to develop the flavor and it is earthy, herbaceous, woody and pungent with mint to citrus notes.
There is more than one type of paprika, using hot chilis or sweet plus you can make it smoky as well. Chili powder will vary but uses chili’s, cumin and garlic powder. Again you can find variation in terms of heat developed. Cayenne pepper is a hot and fiery pepper used in some of these mixes.
Cajun seasoning is made from salt, paprika, garlic, black and white pepper, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper and then oregano, thyme and any other suitable herbs you like to add. You can mix the paprika to use smoked, sweet or hot.
Parsley is a useful biennial that will grow outdoors in colder climates and basil being a tender annual. Both can be used in cooking with slightly different taste profiles and history of culinary uses. Nutritionally both of these herbs are loaded with vitamins and minerals as well.