A Taste of Eucalypt Retreat: Fresh Herbs and How to Use Them
Aug 31
3 min read
Fresh Herbs and How to Use Them
Welcome to Eucalypt Retreat, where nature's bounty flourishes right at your doorstep. Our glasshouse is a treasure trove of fresh herbs, each with unique flavours and uses that can transform any meal. In this blog, we’ll explore the fresh herbs available at Eucalypt Retreat and share tips on how to use them in your cooking. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a casual cook, these herbs will add a special touch to your dishes.
Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that is a staple in many cuisines, especially Italian. Its sweet, aromatic flavour makes it perfect for a variety of dishes.
How to Use:
Pesto: Blend fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil to create a classic pesto sauce.
Salads: Tear basil leaves and mix them into salads for a fresh burst of flavour.
Tomato Dishes: Add basil to tomato-based dishes like Caprese salad or pasta sauce for an authentic Italian taste.
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is known for its distinct, bright flavour. It's widely used in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines.
How to Use:
Salsas and Guacamole: Chop coriander leaves and mix them into salsas and guacamole for a fresh, zesty kick.
Curries: Add coriander to curries and soups for enhanced flavour and freshness.
Garnishes: Use as a garnish for dishes like tacos, grilled meats, and salads.
Dill
Dill has a subtle, tangy flavour that pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially seafood.
How to Use:
Fish Dishes: Sprinkle fresh dill over grilled or baked fish for a delicate flavour enhancement.
Salads: Mix dill into potato or cucumber salads for a refreshing taste.
Sauces: Add to yoghurt or sour cream to create a delicious dill sauce or dip.
Sage
Sage has a robust, earthy flavour that is commonly used in European cuisine.
How to Use:
Stuffing and Poultry: Incorporate sage into stuffing mixes or rub it on poultry before roasting.
Buttered Sage Sauce: Fry sage leaves in butter and drizzle over pasta or gnocchi.
Sage Tea: Steep sage leaves in hot water for a soothing herbal tea.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb with a woody aroma and flavour, perfect for hearty dishes.
How to Use:
Roasted Meats: Use rosemary sprigs to flavour roasted lamb, chicken, or beef.
Vegetables: Toss rosemary with root vegetables before roasting.
Infused Oils: Infuse olive oil with rosemary for a flavourful cooking oil or dressing.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that adds a cool, bright flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes.
How to Use:
Teas and Cocktails: Brew fresh mint leaves in hot water for mint tea or muddle them in cocktails like mojitos.
Salads: Add mint to fruit salads or grain salads for a refreshing twist.
Desserts: Use mint as a garnish for desserts like ice cream, chocolate mousse, or cakes.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has a strong lemon scent and flavour, making it a delightful addition to many dishes.
How to Use:
Herbal Teas: Steep lemon verbena leaves in hot water for a fragrant, citrusy tea.
Desserts: Add to desserts like sorbets, custards, and cakes for a lemony aroma.
Cocktails: Infuse in spirits like gin for a unique twist on cocktails.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a citrusy, slightly tangy flavour that's commonly used in Asian cuisine.
How to Use:
Soups and Curries: Add bruised lemongrass stalks to soups and curries for a fresh, lemony flavour.
Tea: Boil lemongrass in water to make a refreshing herbal tea.
Marinades: Use in marinades for chicken, fish, or tofu to impart a bright, tangy taste.
At Eucalypt Retreat, our fresh herbs are not only a delight to the senses but also a fantastic way to elevate your cooking. From basil's sweet aroma to the robust flavour of rosemary, there's a world of culinary possibilities waiting for you. We invite you to explore these herbs during your stay and discover how they can transform your meals.
Book your stay at Eucalypt Retreat today and experience the freshness and flavour of our garden's bounty. Happy cooking!
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