Fresh Italian Herbs for Marinades and Dressings

By Cherry Crawford May 17, 2023 17 mins read 111 Views

Italian herbs, like basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, add savory notes to marinades and dressings. These versatile, aromatic herbs are also available fresh.

You can use them in place of the dried herbs in this recipe, but it’s important to note that they tend to lose their potency the longer they simmer.

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a common herb used in many cuisines around the world. It adds a sweet, pungent and slightly spicy flavor to many dishes.

It can be added to sauces, salads, soups or used as a garnish for appetizers and desserts. It has a fragrance that combines lemon, licorice and clove.

This versatile herb is easy to grow in a sunny spot with good soil. It produces large, glossy leaves and is resistant to downy mildew and Fusarium wilt.

Besides being delicious in salads and pasta dishes, basil can also be a wonderful addition to marinades for chicken or seafood. It can also be frozen to use later.

Dried basil can be purchased in most grocery stores and will keep for up to six months in an airtight container. Fresh basil, on the other hand, should be stored in the refrigerator for maximum taste and freshness.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb that is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs well with a variety of food types including chicken, lamb, pork, fish, pasta, potatoes, and other vegetables.

It’s also a great addition to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. You can use fresh rosemary or dried.

If using fresh, rinse it under cold water before adding to a recipe to remove any stray dirt or particles. You can also add whole sprigs of rosemary to soups or stews, but you may want to remove them prior to serving.

Rosemary is a herb that is part of the Lamiaceae family. It’s similar to basil, thyme, and mint in appearance and flavor. It is also used as a medicinal herb. Its phytochemicals may improve eye health, regulate liver function, and lower the risk of asthma. It may also help increase memory and reduce stress. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia areata.

Oregano

Fresh Italian herbs like oregano add flavor to marinades and dressings, and they’re also great for sprinkled on pizza, pasta, and other cooked dishes. They’re easy to use and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Oregano is a perennial herb that’s native to Greece and features in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s often used in tomato-centric recipes, but it also pairs well with olive oil and other aromatics in Italian vinaigrettes and marinades.

It’s a powerful ingredient that needs to be used sparingly because too much can overpower the dish and make it bitter. It’s also best to crush or chop the herb before adding it to a recipe in order to release its flavorful essential oils.

Dried oregano can be purchased in the grocery store but it’s not quite as flavorful as fresh, so we recommend hanging drying it for a few weeks until it’s completely dry and fragrant. You can then store it in an airtight container for up to 6-12 months.

Thyme

If you’re looking for a smoky, aromatic herb to add flavor to your marinade or salad dressing, look no further than fresh Italian thyme. It’s a relative of mint, but its distinct taste and scent make it a standout in many recipes.

It can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and roast dinners. It’s also known for adding a unique peppery flavor to meat, vegetables, and fish.

A member of the Lamiaceae family, thyme is a great herbal remedy for respiratory issues, like bronchitis, persistent asthma, congestion, colds, flu, blocked sinuses, and sore throats. It can help remove phlegm, reduce inflammation, and prevent bacterial growth that could lead to illness.

Dry thyme is easy to find at most grocery stores and spice aisles. It retains its flavor better than other herbs, so it’s a great substitute for fresh thyme in recipes.

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.

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

What herb heals all wounds?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and severity of the wound.

The herb comfrey (also known as knitbone) has long been used for its healing properties, particularly for skin injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Studies suggest that comfrey contains allantoin, which helps speed up healing. Other herbs commonly used for healing wounds include calendula, plantain, and yarrow. These herbs help to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding and speed up the skin's healing process.

In addition to herbs, honey has also been found to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent wound infection.

Herbs for wound care is an age-old practice that continues to be used today. However, herbs should not replace medical treatment, and always consult your doctor before using herbs for healing. With the right herbs, you can give your body the support it needs to heal naturally.

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.

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.