Herbs and Spices For Mediterranean-Style Grilled Meats

By Cherry Crawford July 5, 2023 18 mins read 149 Views

Using herbs and spices to flavor your meals is a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Not only are they delicious, but many of them are packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting properties!

Herbs are also a great way to add flavor to your food without adding salt or heavy sauces. This is especially true for grilled meats!

Basil

The Mediterranean diet has a lot of fans, partly because it’s delicious, but also because of the health benefits, including lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Basil is one of the herbs that helps to bring the flavor and fragrance of the Mediterranean diet to grilled meats.

Dried or fresh, basil adds bright flavor to a variety of dishes. It enlivens tomato dishes, salads, soups, stuffing and sauces.

When adding fresh basil, it’s best to use it at the end of cooking since heat can destroy its vibrant green color and flavor (36). Dried basil is more concentrated than fresh and should be used only about a third as much.

There are dozens of basil varieties, and each has its own unique flavor. For pesto, choose a basil with serrated and quilted leaves that grows 22 to 24 inches tall. Mature plants don’t make many flower spikes. 'Green Ruffles' and 'Serata' are both excellent cultivars with licorice-scented leaves that have large leafy heads.

Oregano

Oregano is a key player in many Mediterranean recipes. The herb’s bold, peppery flavor complements tomatoes and olive oil well in sauces, soups, marinades, and more.

It can be used fresh or dried. Dried oregano is more concentrated and will give your dish a stronger, more intense flavor.

In addition to its bold flavor, oregano also has anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties that are a good candidate as a natural food preservative. It is also being evaluated for its ability to inhibit human viruses like HIV and Rotaviruses.

For a healthy, grilled Mediterranean dinner, add some oregano and other herbs to your chicken marinade for a kick of zest. Pair it with a bowl of rice and some dips for a hearty meal that will leave you wanting more.

Garlic

Mediterranean cuisine is a healthful way of eating that promotes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It also emphasizes the use of herbs and spices, which provide a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an onion family member that grows underground in the form of a bulb, which contains individual sections called cloves. Cloves are enclosed in a papery skin and are used both for culinary and medicinal purposes.

In addition to its pungent flavor, garlic is a source of sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide and ajoene, which produce an odorless compound called allicin. This chemical can help fight many common illnesses and has been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and hardening of the arteries.

Garlic has numerous other benefits, including antimicrobial activity, cancer-fighting properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb is also a good source of vitamins B6 and C and the dietary minerals iron and phosphorus.

Mint

Mint is an essential herb to the Mediterranean diet. It's used to season meats, poultry and fish before grilling, in egg dishes, breads, casseroles and salads. It's also great in spaghetti bolognese and tomato salsas.

The flavour of mint can overpower other ingredients if not used carefully, so use sparingly. Marcus Samuelsson suggests serving mint ravioli with a foamy sweet tomato sauce, caramelized figs and balsamic vinegar to keep the herb from taking over.

Aside from its culinary uses, mint is also known for its medicinal properties. It can help to reduce flatulence and relieve sore throats, as well as being a natural antibacterial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eating raw basil good for you?

I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.

They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.

The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.

There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.

Just make sure you wash them well first!

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

What are the disadvantages of using herbs?

Herbs are a great way to keep your body healthy because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, sterols, and sterolins. Some even contain cannabinoids.

But there are also lots of side effects associated with herbal remedies. For example, taking too much herb could cause liver damage or even death. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs, which means that they might affect how well the drug works.

Some herbs can interfere with blood clotting, while others may increase bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

There are also safety concerns for pregnant women and children.

The bottom line is that herbs aren't safe for everyone. If you're considering trying them out, do your homework. Look up each product's side effects and warnings and read reviews online.

Is basil good for kidneys?

The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.

Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.

Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.

It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.

Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.

It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

What are healing flowers?

Healing flowers are plants that promote peace and tranquillity. They help us unwind after a stressful day and make us feel more relaxed.

They also help us connect to our inner selves and reconnect with nature.

These beautiful blooms are used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

We call hundreds of varieties of flowering plants ‘healing’ because they provide such a fantastic experience.

This list includes roses, lilies, irises, daffodils, peonies, tulips, hyacinths, and many more.

But there are two species that I find particularly special. These are the Geranium and Lilium.

Geraniums are very easy to grow and come in various colors. Liliums are also known as lily-of-the-valley, which means 'lily' and 'valley.' Both of these species are popular garden flowers.

Healing flowers are often found growing near water. They are said to bring peace and calmness to those who meditate with them.

In ancient times, people would light candles in flower petals to symbolize the sun. This way, they could honor the sun without needing to go outdoors.

Some say that when you look at these flowers, you may see angels dancing.

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 mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

Statistics

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)
The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

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How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.