Cooking With Herbs For a Gluten-Free Diet

By Caroline Anderson April 18, 2023 16 mins read 71 Views

Herbs and spices are a delicious and easy way to add flavor to gluten-free dishes. Not only do they add fragrance and color to a dish, but they also have health benefits.

Herbs are fresh leaves or flowers from plants, while spices are dried roots, seeds, bark, bud, fruit or flower. Spices are usually safe for those following a gluten-free diet, though some may contain flour or other gluten-containing ingredients.

How to Use

Herbs are a wonderful way to add flavor without adding gluten to your dishes. They also offer large amounts of vitamins A, C and K, as well as polyphenol plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbed butter, marinades, and salads are all easy ways to enjoy these ingredients without using too much gluten. They are great for adding flavor to vegetables, meats, fish, eggs and even dairy.

Some herbs can be overpowering and need to be used sparingly, like rosemary or thyme. Start with a few leaves and increase your quantity as needed.

Cilantro - A fresh, citrusy herb with a peppery taste, cilantro adds an extra kick to soups, sauces and curry, as well as bell peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.

Basil - A delicate, large-leafed herb, basil is an excellent flavoring for many Asian, Indian and Italian dishes. It also adds a delicate note to tomato sauces, pestos and salads.

Herbs can be stored in a damp paper towel or wrapped in a plastic bag for optimal freshness. Hardier herbs, such as sage, oregano and thyme keep well in the fridge.

Tips for Keeping Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs add a delicious pop of flavor to any meal. But they can rot quickly if not properly stored, so it’s important to know how to keep them fresh so you can use them in your recipes as soon as possible!

If your herbs have soft stems, such as cilantro, parsley, dill, or basil, treat them like you would a bouquet of flowers: Trim the stems and place the leaves in a jar filled with water (this also helps prevent asparagus from wilting!).

Herbs with harder stems such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chives need a different method for long-lasting storage. They’re best preserved by wrapping them in a slightly damp paper towel, securing the bundle with a resealable bag or airtight container to keep oxygen out and preserve the flavor of the herbs.

Storage Tips

There are a few key factors that determine how long fresh herbs last, including temperature, oxygen exposure and moisture. Too much moisture can make them limp and wilted, while too little can dry out your herbs and lose their flavor.

To prevent your herbs from getting soggy or wilted, try storing them like cut flowers by placing them in a glass filled with water (about an inch of water is perfect). This will extend the life of your herbs by a couple of days, potentially up to a week!

Hardier herbs, like rosemary, thyme and chives, keep well by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and storing them in an airtight bag or container. This method will also help keep the herb from drying out as quickly, which can lead to mold and rot.

Recipe Ideas

Whether you have celiac disease or are trying to reduce gluten, it can be tough to find good gluten-free recipes. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, healthy, and delicious meals that can be made in just a few short minutes.

Using herbs to add flavor is an easy way to make your recipes more exciting. Try using fresh thyme in a chicken pot pie or basil in a stir-fry to add a punch of herbaceous flavor.

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, try a skillet of white beans with herbs. This simple side dish is packed with flavor and a wonderful complement to grilled meats, poultry, or fish.

Having a delicious and nutritious meal is key to feeling great. Here are a few of my favorite gluten-free dinner recipes that will satisfy any appetite! They're easy to make and use affordable ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, and chicken to create a filling and healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

How is basil used for medicinal purposes?

In ancient times, doctors would prescribe basil leaves to treat colds and coughs. Today, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gout, hay fever, indigestion, migraines, menstrual cramps, sinus infections, sore throats, ulcers, varicose veins, and more.

Basil is also known for its ability to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, and even aging.

Basil is often referred to as "the herb of grace" because it helps us relax and unwind after stressful situations. It is also said to improve memory and concentration, boost energy levels, increase libido, and enhance athletic performance.

The list goes on and on. Basil is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of benefits for our health and well-being.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.

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How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!