Jekka's top 5 herbs for 2023

At Belovedsaffron.com we believe that every chef has something unique and delicious to share with their taste buds! If you have any special recipes or would like to contribute an article for our blog section, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

We are devoted to promoting sustainable eating practices that respect cultures worldwide and inspire us with new flavors each day. Let’s work together towards bettering the Earth while enjoying scrumptious dishes!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

It's wonderful to see herbs as one of Royal Horticultural Societies Top Trends for 2023. As a herb farm we believe that herbs are the best for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They are good for you, and they look great!

Jekka's top five herbs for 2023 include:

1. Caper (Capparis spinosa var. inermis)
2. Dill ( Anethum graveolens )
3. Greek Basil (Ocimum minimum 'Greek')
4. Myrtle ( Myrtus )
5. Tashkent Mint Mentha Spicata "Tashkent"

In RHS, peat-free gardening is also on the list for 2023. At Jekka's we are big advocates of organic, sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening. We wrote a guide about sustainable gardening last year. You can see it here.

Jekka’s top five herbs for 2023

1. Caper (Capparis spinosa var. inermis)

The Caper Plant is a favourite at Jekka’s. Not only are the caper berries delicious, but the flower itself is beautiful. The leaves are milder in flavour and can be eaten along with the flowers. Capers are part of the Mediterranean Diet along with grapes, olives, almonds, pistachios, sun-dried tomato, basil, and garlic.

Capers are evergreen semi-deciduous shrubs that belong to the Capparaceae family. Jekka said that a caper bush could be planted in the same place as an olive tree.

Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka's " Capers " blog and try her Caper leaves salad.

Caper (Capparis spinosa var. inermis)

2. Dill (Anethum gravolens).

Jekka uses the entire dill plant, from the flowers and leaves to the seeds. Jekka prefers to eat the green seeds, which have an excellent flavour. Dill is calming and improves digestion. Its name reflects this, as its origins are said to be the Anglo-Saxon or Norse dilla meaning to calm or soothe.

Dill is a symbol for pride in Ukraine, and its image became an emblem of Ukrainian troops.

The Apiaceae family includes Dill, an annual plant that can reach 1.5m in height and has umbels with small yellow/green flowers. Growing Dill and Fennel separately is the best option as they will cross-breed and produce fendill, which does not taste good.

Want to grow Dill at home? Jekka’s Grow At Home Herb Kits are perfect for making Jekka’s Salsa Verde.

Dill

3. Greek Basil (Ocimum minimum 'Greek')

Jekka loves Greek Basil and having a pot on the table as a welcome sign is always a good idea. It is compact with green oval-pointed leaves. Fresh tomatoes and garlic are the perfect match. You can use it in salads and pasta sauces. It makes a wonderful calming tea, which is not widely known. Just add a few sprigs of it to boiling water.

Basil comes from the Lamiaceae family and is indigenous to India, Middle East and certain Pacific Islands. The spice trade brought it to Western Europe only in the 16th century. It is now common in the UK, and can be used in many dishes.

Jekka’s typically has basils available for sale at their May open day, but it depends on the weather and light conditions.

Do you want to learn more? Read Jekka’s blog " Basil", and try Jekka’s Basil pesto.

4. Tashkent Mint ( Mentha Spicata Tashkent ')

Tashkent Mint has become one of our favorite mints because it is so versatile. It goes well with mint sauces, new potatoes and even sugar in a mojito. This is a spicata, or spearmint. It's a warm and sweet mint with light menthol tones.

The Lamiaceae ( Mentha ) family includes mints. They are naturally grown all over the globe. This mint is one of Jekka’s favourites, and a must-have for 2023.

Do you want to know more about mints? Read Jekkapedia or read Guide To Mint to find out more.

5. Myrtle

The Myrtle flower is often used in bridal bouquets as a symbol of love and loyalty. Myrtle was used in the Queen Elizabeth II's funeral wreath. This was a beautiful cut from the plant that was grown from a Myrtle sprig from the Queen's bridal bouquet.

The leaves, flowers, berries and bark of the myrtle have all been used to cook. Mirto is a drink made from the Myrtle Berry in Sardinia or Corsica. The berries are macerated in alcohol.

Myrtle is an evergreen hardy shrub from the Myrtaceae. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10C when grown in an area away from the north wind, and with a well-drained ground.

Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka's " Myrtle: All the varieties" blog.

Do you want to know more about?

Jekka’s blog, past newsletters, videos, Jekka’s book ‘A Pocketful of Herbs’ or Jekka’s Complete Herb Book’, browsing Jekkapedia, and exploring our herbal based recipes are all great places to learn more about herbs.

Jekka's Herbs of the Month Blogs: Bay (January), Rosemary, (February), Salad burnet (March), French Tarragon, (April), Angelica, (May), Alliums June), Lavender July), Basil August), Mint September), Szechuan pepper (October), Thyme November and Curry Tree December.

Visit the herb farm at South Gloucestershire during one of our open days, master classes, or herbal experiences. (See our event calendar).

Check out Jekka’s 'Jekka’s Seasonal Tips’ blog series for advice on how to grow and maintain herbs. It includes tips about what to do with your herb garden during early spring, autumn and winter, and late spring. Together, they are the foundation of Jekka’s guide on How to Grow Herbs. You can also purchase Jekka’s Herb Calendar ..

You can order herb plants and arrange a collection at our herb farm located in South Gloucestershire, or you can attend one of our open days (see our event calendar). You can check our'Look Good List'to see what's available. Use our webform, or send us an email ([email protected]) with your list. There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we offer a limited number of Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes ..

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

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!

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

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.

Statistics

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

External Links

[TAG31]

• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

[TAG34]

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

[TAG36]

• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

[TAG39]

• Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury - Agarwal - 2010 - Journal of Applied Toxicology - Wiley Online Library

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.

Resources:

[TAG41] In this video we are starting out seedlings for our winter growing in the Tower Garden and we're taking you along for the journey! We'll show you just how easy

[TAG42] Hope you enjoyed this video and thank you for your support. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. PLEASE FOLLOW ME IN FACEBOOK https://www.facebook

[TAG43] Who was the Marble Looking Man? Paul Sinclair shares his accounts of unusual and strange happenings in an around East and North Yorkshire. We now have

[TAG44] COFFEE MOANING the PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coffee-moaning/id1689250679 ON SPOTIFY:

[TAG45] Are you eating healthy bread? If so, this video is a must-watch before you take another bite of those seemingly innocent slices. Bread might be a staple, but

[TAG46] Learn herbs from respected professional herbalists offering world-class herbalist training. The NEW Professional Herbalist Course includes courses on over 600

[TAG47] Patrick Bet-David, Adam Sosnick, Tom Ellsworth and Vincent Oshana discuss Bill Maher's appearance on Roseanne Barr's podcast where he denies knowing MK Ultra,

[TAG48] Use Code THOMAS25 for 25% off Your First Order from SEED: https://www.seed.com/thomasyt Obesity Pandemic - Willpower vs Genes vs Environment This video

[TAG49] Harvesting self-grown vegetables - bursting with emotions when the old lady handed over the red book Thank you for watching my video. Wishing you good health,

[TAG50] In This Video I'm Gonna Show You How To Find And Farm All 7 Herbs In Terraria! Enjoy ! :) #terraria #guide #tutorial

[TAG51] Former President Trump in recent remarks is now working to portray President Biden as a threat to democracy, saying Biden 'is the destroyer of American

[TAG52] Find out more about herbs and how to use them

[TAG53] Read about our list of the best citrus bergamot supplements and how they may help to reduce cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar levels, and more.

[TAG54] SPONSORED CONTENT When it comes to finding the best herb suppliers, there are many different places you can shop. However, ... Read more

[TAG55] Black seed oil is a popular herbal supplement used to improve blood sugar, support heart health, reduce inflammation, enhance brain ... Read more

[TAG56] Join me in this new episode as I’m sharing five medicinal benefits of hops, as well as an interesting way for you to work with hops in a hops oil recipe.

[TAG57] In this episode, I’m sharing five steps to take so that when you do commit to a particular course of study, you’ll know you’ve chosen the very best one for YOU.

[TAG58] 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!

[TAG59] Weight loss can be a great way to manage your overall health, especially if you want to reduce your risk ... Read more

[TAG60] Have you ever wondered how to become an herbalist? Herbalism is the art and science of using herbs for health. ... Read more

[TAG61] In this episode, you’ll learn all about holy basil benefits for your heart, immune system, brain health and so much more. And don't miss my new ebook!

[TAG62] The gifts of bee balm include promoting digestion, helping you recover from colds and the flu, fighting fungal and yeast infections… and many more!

[TAG63] Find out how to make a marshmallow root tea recipe for the best marshmallow root benefits and experience one of our most healing and soothing medicinal herbs!

[TAG64] 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.