Herbs in Desserts - Adding Sweet and Savory Twists!

Herbs are most often associated with savory dishes, but they can also play a major role in dessert. From simple garnishes (like a sprig of lemon balm on a lemon cheesecake) to infused ingredients like syrups and ice creams, herbs complement sweet items in surprising ways.

Lavender, tarragon, rose petals and other flowery herbs have delicate flavors that pair well with berries and fruity desserts. Use them sparingly, however, to avoid overpowering other flavors.

Fresh

When it comes to sweet treats and desserts, herbs can be the key to elevating flavors without adding a lot of extra calories. From subtle thyme to bright lavender, earthy rosemary to aromatic basil, these everyday herbs bring a new dimension to classic treats.

Rosemary, with its distinctive piney peppery flavor, works well with citrus and berry fruit. It also enhances a simple custard filling for tarts and meringues. The leaves and flowers are also tasty infused in syrups for fruits or added to whipped creams.

A wide range of flowers and herbs can add beautiful color and fragrance to desserts, including rose petals, rose water, hibiscus and jasmine. For an unusual twist, try a rose-infused chocolate mousse or rosemary and pink peppercorn-infused wine-poached pineapple. When selecting herbs, do a "pinch and smell" test to make sure they have the right flavor for your recipe. Herbs with woody stems and tough, sturdy leaves (such as thyme, oregano and rosemary) hold up better to long cooking times than those with soft stems and leaves (such as parsley).

Dried

Herbs like rosemary, lavender and thyme typically add flavor to savory dishes, but they can also enhance sweet treats and desserts. When making a lemon tart, for example, try steeping a few sprigs of rosemary in the filling before baking to give it an unexpected herbal punch.

Rosemary pairs well with most citrus, and its piney peppery taste heightens the sweetness of sugar in desserts and pastry. It's especially good with cakes and in syrups to pair with baked fruits, or added to a custard or ice cream.

Dried herbs are also a handy and convenient ingredient for adding flavor to sweets, and they work just as well in baked goods and desserts as fresh herbs. They tuck nicely (and cheaply) into care packages and are a great choice to use in place of fresh herbs when a recipe calls for them.

Dried herbs like thyme can dance with most fruit flavors, and their lemony scent complements strawberries, peaches and even a creamy vanilla granita.

Infused

Infusing herbs or flowers into sweet treats and desserts can help to elevate the flavour profiles of these dishes. You can use dried or fresh aromatics to create infused sugar, syrups, or ice creams or granitas.

Rosemary is a classic herb that complements citrus and other dessert flavours. Try using rosemary in a pastry filling, in a savoury dessert or whipped cream, or to make a deliciously fragrant granita with a hint of rosemary.

Anise hyssop is another herb that works well with citrus, and can be used to make a simple granita or an iced tea with a refreshing herbal twist. Alternatively, you can also infuse olive oil with anise hyssop to make a liqueur that you can drink. Herbs and other flowers can also be incorporated into baked desserts and other sweets to add texture and interesting flavours. Rosemary can be added to cakes, a sprinkle of lavender added to a shortbread, or thyme infused into lemon sorbet for an intriguing new take on this classic dessert.

Surprises

Herbs aren’t just for savory dishes—they work well in desserts too. Pairing herbs, spices and floral notes with dessert ingredients can bring out undertones or add a whole new flavor profile to these sweet treats.

Rosemary: Earthy rosemary pairs beautifully with chocolate, golden raisins and stone fruit or berries. Try it in a herbed chocolate chip cookie, a rosemary and raisin loaf or even a strawberry shortcake. Rosemary also complements citrus flavors in fruit salads, sorbets and lemon tarts.

Lemon Balm: This rampant herb has a strong lemon/citronella flavour and works best in savoury breads like soda bread, quiche or gratins. However, it makes a wonderful addition to shortbread and bunt cakes and can be used to infuse honey.

Lavender: Only the blossoms are suitable for cooking, but they can add a delicate, floral flavour to desserts. Lavender pairs well with berries and tea flavours in fruit salads, sorbets or berry fools. It also enhances the flavour of a lemon cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

Is it safe to eat raw garlic?

Raw garlic contains potent compounds that could cause stomach upset. Garlic should always be cooked before eating.

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments.

Today, garlic is still commonly used for treating colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. In addition, garlic can increase blood circulation, boost immunity, protect against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and reduce stress.

Do not ingest large amounts of raw garlic to avoid possible health problems. It does not harm you if you consume small amounts regularly, however. This is especially true with young children who might accidentally swallow some.

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.

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

• 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.
• The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

External Links

[TAG49]

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

[TAG51]

• Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial


• Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB

[TAG54]

• Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - IOS Press

[TAG56]

• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

How To

How To Upcycle Herbs After Making Infusions, Oils, Tinctures, And More?

There are more ways to use herbs than you might realize. This is why it's essential to keep an open mind when learning how to make herbal infusions, oils, tinctures, and more.

You'll find that there are many methods for making these products, and even though they may seem similar, each method has its benefits.

For example, some methods include creating decoctions, boiling water or alcohol with the herb(s), and letting them simmer for a while. These infusions are solid and potent because they contain higher concentrations of active compounds.

Another type of infusion includes macerating the herb(s), which means soaking them in liquid for a few hours or even overnight. Macerations tend to produce milder results because the plant material isn't boiled.

Some cold-infused forms involve steeping herbs in cool liquids such as ice cubes or cold water. Cold infusions are gentler than hot ones, often used to treat minor ailments.

Herbal oil extraction involves heating the herb(s) to release the essential oils. You can either do this yourself or have someone help you out with it.

Finally, there are tinctures made by mixing herbs with alcohol. They're usually taken orally and are very effective for treating coughs, colds, and flu symptoms.

The best way to learn how to create infused products is to experiment with various techniques. Each technique offers a different potency and effectiveness, depending on the herb(s) you choose.

Once you've tried a few different methods, you'll begin to develop your preferences. In time, you'll be able to determine which techniques work well for you and which aren't worth pursuing.

Resources:

[TAG59] The 84-year-old Chen Xiangbai is a leading figure in Chaozhou Gong Fu Cha. He has collected, organized, and determined the standard Chaozhou Gongfu..

[TAG60] Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair,

[TAG61] While Arabica beans are more popular, robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) also has a place in the world market. Robusta is less expensive to grow

[TAG62] Here is the Pioneer Woman's link to her squash Casserole Here is is the link to my video of her Chicken Spaghetti I hope you all enjoy the southern..

[TAG63] Soft rain with distant thunder in the quiet magical land of Hogwarts will help you forget about stress and problems. Magic healing rain with distant..

[TAG64] #Peasant #villagevlog #pastry The videos are shot in the Gakh region of Azerbaijan. We prepare delicious recipes in the village and present Azerbaijani

[TAG65] Fulljoy reasoning from Ras Papa owner of Nilotika Naturals located in Mekong, Uganda. In this clip Ras Papa gives us a tour of his farm Valeria Agro where

[TAG66] Follow Herbal Medicine Director, Peter Jackson-Main, as he takes you through a step by step instruction on how to make a powerful immune boosting tea.

[TAG67] I wanted to walk through the grocery store and show you some of my favorite high quality chocolate items, including some next level sugar free..

[TAG68] Are you ready to take the leap and learn the skills to supplement your self sufficiency Join this channel to get access to perks:

[TAG69] Learn herbs from respected professional herbalists offering world-class herbalist training. The NEW Professional Herbalist Course includes courses on over 600

[TAG70] Our apothecary at the Chestnut School is no mere medicine cabinet; it holds the stories and healing signatures of herbs gathered from local wildlands,

[TAG71] In this video, I share 6 veggies you can start in July right now! July is our hottest month, but don't let that fool you. Now is the best time to..

[TAG72] #herbalmedicine #feverfew #apothecary Welcome friends and join us in the Garden to harvest a lovely little plant that helps me with my migraines! Today we

[TAG73] Gardening and cooking with fresh ingredients is one of the reasons I love our life here. We have spent a lot of time in the garden over the last few..

[TAG74] Lemongrass is a perennial herb that thrives in tropical climates and is used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. It has a refreshing, citrus and

[TAG75] This video covers making a simple, non-electric, low maintenance, hydroponic set-up from things you have at home, no special tools or equipment...

[TAG76] Full home garden tour where we will give you a live update of our sun garden, cottage garden, patio garden, and vegetable garden. Take a peek at some

[TAG77] Every home cook should have a well-stocked and organized pantry. I've broken everything down in this video and have a master pantry list on Notion..

[TAG78] Creating a successful fruit tree guild is so easy and surprisingly quick, and here's how! In today's episode, I teach you the 6 main plant groups..

[TAG79] Hey guys! In today's video I am sharing with you 5 really easy and simple ways to use jiffy cornbread mix when you are on a budget! I love this stuff

[TAG80] Find out more about herbs and how to use them

[TAG81] I'm loving these different ways to prepare herbs! This herbal bath experience was legendary and definitely something I'm going to continue doing!..

[TAG82] On our last day at #pandamonium homestead, Ausia gave us fresh eggs from her hens, and herbs that we picked fresh from her garden. #fulltinyhouse #rvlife

[TAG83] Hogwarts Legacy ( Part 15 ) - Herbology Class PS5 [ No Commentary] Newt Scamander

[TAG84] Jekka's top 10 herbs you can find in show gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023

[TAG85] Join me in the kitchen today! We will be creating herbal salt seasoning blends, which is a wonderful way to preserve our summer bounty of herbs. Welcome

[TAG86] One question I get often is, "I have herbs growing, but I don't know what to do with them." Or, "How do I prepare them and harvest them?" So it will depend on

[TAG87] Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab

[TAG88] Alborosie’s Still Blazing from his album Soul Pirate (Deluxe Remastered Edition). Subscribe to Alborosie VEVO channel - https://www.youtube

[TAG89] Arusip fruit is in season today. I picked some and made jam. It is a perfect match to a bread and coffee in the morning. I went also to the top the waterfalls

[TAG90] #herbs #kitchengarden #gardening Herb Gardening For Beginners - DIY Kitchen Herb Garden Hope you find this video helpful! Thanks for watching! Misilla

[TAG91] Like life, tea is what you make of it and The Cup of Life helps individuals enjoy tea in more than one way. Join me on my tea adventures through my blog!

[TAG92] Join me and Kat Mackinnon, who shares an impressive amount of information about the medicinal gifts of the pine tree in a hilarious and quirky way!

[TAG93] Tongkat Ali is an herb that’s traditionally been used for sexual enhancement, energy, strength, fever, and several other conditions.  In ... Read more

[TAG94] Find out how to use willow bark for natural pain relief, backaches, muscular soreness, headaches, arthritis, and more!

[TAG95] Have you ever noticed how different a cough can feel? You may have a dry, coarse cough or one that ... Read more

[TAG96] Red clover is a medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments. In this ... Read more

[TAG97] Eurycomanone is a major quassinoid compound found in Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia). It is often regarded as being responsible for ... Read more

[TAG98] Join me in this episode for a deep dive into linden tree medicine. I share my favorite recipe so you can enjoy the medicinal benefits of delicious linden tea.

[TAG99] Lack of sleep can leave you with no energy, irritated, lethargic, and moody. Whether you struggle with falling asleep, waking ... Read more

[TAG100] I'll show you a compact, easy-to-travel-with natural first aid kit; a wonderful way to be prepared for everyday health concerns when you’re away from home!

[TAG101] Arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is a stunning flower, a nutritious food, and a potent herbal medicine that grows all over western North America.

[TAG102] A tea assessment platform that rates teas based on objective quality markers and a sensory evaluation resulting in a list of the best teas produced each year.