Summer in Jekka’s Herb Garden - Jekka’s top 10 herbs for summer

Saffron is our love affair; a culinary crescendo that evokes a warmth of its own. But cooking is so much more than a single ingredient — it’s also about respect. It’s about respecting people from different cultures who dedicate their lives to creating something extraordinary with every dish they serve; family meals or five-star restaurants alike.

And that’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us – to share their recipes, explore new flavors and be part of something special. We know everyone has something delicious to offer!

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

The Jekka's Herb Garden has been awash with sunshine for the last two weeks. It has been inspiring to see the garden take shape. The herbs are flourishing in their new home despite only having been planted in February.

The blog found here has more information about the garden, the plants and the various herb petals.

Jekka's 10 top herbs for summer of 2023 include:

1. Anthriscus Cerfolium ( )
2. Chives Allium Schoenoprasum
3. Borage Borago Officinalis
4. Amomyrtus
5. Greek Sage Salvia officinalis 'Greek"
6. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
7. Portuguese Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa)
8. Crambe martima ( Sea Kale)
9. Porlock Thyme Thymus "Porlock"
10. Oysterleaf (Mertensia maritima)

You can read more about Jekka’s Herb Garden by reading the blogs of the garden, both springand late-summer. There is also a timeline that shows its evolution.

Jekka's Herb Garden Petals

Jekka has selected the top 10 herbs that are looking good in this month. You can see them for yourself during Jekka’s Open Days, or at Jekka’s HerbFest.

1. Anthriscus cerefolium ( Anthriscus cerfolium)

Chervil makes a great addition to any herb garden. It belongs to the carrot family, and is one of four herbs in French "fine herbes". It is a member of the carrot family and has a mild anise taste, which makes it good for digestion. You can add the leaf to many salads, from Tabbouleh to Carrot. It adds a lovely white flower mass to the garden when it blooms in hot weather, or during mid-season.

2. Chives: Culinary herb petal ( Allium Schoenoprasum

Chives are a must-have for any culinary herb garden. Most commonly, the leaves are used, as they have a strong onion flavor. However, we love to add the flowers. The flower heads can be broken into many tiny florets, and scattered on salads or baked potatoes. The flowers are often more flavorful than the leaves, with a sweet onion taste.

3. Borage is a [TAG25] that has edible flowers ( Borago Officinalis

A favourite in Jekka's Herb Garden is Borage. Borage flowers are often added to ice for summer Pimm's, but did you also know that Borage is a great plant for bees? Borage flowers replenish their nectaries frequently, providing an abundance of pollen and nectar. Blue flowers will also attract pollinators.

4. Evergreen herb petal: Amomyrtus (Amomyrtus luma)

Amomyrtus, a beautiful evergreen Luma. It is one of the earliest Lumas to bloom in the early summer. The flowers are scented like Earl Grey Tea. The blackberries that follow are used in Chile to make jelly.

5. Herbal Infusion herb petals: Greek Sage Salvia offficinalis 'Greek Sage'

Sage is a subject of much research, particularly in relation to brain function. The Latin Salvia is translated as wisdom. This herb is antibacterial and has many uses. Sage infusions can help with memory loss and menopause. Gargling Sage is also known to relieve sore throats as well as gum disease.

6. [TAG27] herb petal: Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Meadowsweet is a common herb in our hedgerows. It was one of the most important ingredients in the 19 ^th century. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxons, who used it to flavor mead.

7. Pollinator herb petal: Portuguese Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa)

This mini Angelica is great for pollinators. We can't wait to try their honey. The Savills garden, designed by Mark Gregory for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, also featured this flower.

8. UK Native Herbbed: Sea Kale Crambe martima

This year, there was a lot of talk about "Edimentals", which stands for edible ornamental plants. Sea Kale, for example, is the perfect example. Beautiful plant with beautiful flowers and interesting leaves.

9. Porlock Thyme in Jekka's gravel herb bed (Thymus "Porlock").

Jekka's gravel gardens is planted with many of the varieties of Thyme we grow. They love their new location! We are experiencing more rain in August due to the change in climate. Our Thymes have suffered as a result. Growing them in gravel keeps their heads and arms out of the puddles. It also provides much needed drainage. They will not turn brown or damp.

10. Jekka's gravel herb beds: Oysterleaf (Mertensia maritima)

Oysterleaf was one of the herbs featured at this week's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The oyster leaf comes from the Scottish coasts and is a Borage member with an oyster-like taste. Many designer chefs are using this leaf as a garnish.

Do you want to know more about?

Jekka’s blog, videos and Jekka’s book ‘A Pocketful of Herbs’ or Jekka’s Complete Herb Book’ are all great resources for learning more about herbs. You can also browse Jekkapedia to find herb-based recipes and explore Jekkapedia.

Visit the herb farm at South Gloucestershire during one of our open days, master classes, or Herb experiences like this year's Jekka HerbFest. (See our event calendar).

Check out the 'Jekka Seasonal Tips' series of blogs for advice on how to grow and maintain herbs. It includes information about what you can do in your herb gardens in early spring and late spring. Also, it covers summer, autumn and winter. Together, they are the foundation of Jekka’s guide on How to Grow Herbs.

You can also check out Jekka's herb of the month blogs for: Bay (January), Rosemary, (February), Salad burnet (March), French Tarragon, (April), Angelica, (May), Alliums, (June), Lavender July), Mint August), Szechuan Pepper September), Thyme November and Curry Tree December.

You can collect herb plants from our herb farm located in South Gloucestershire, or you can attend one of our open days. You can check our'Look Good List'to see what's available. Use our Webform, or send us your list ([email protected]). There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we occasionally offer a limited selection of Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

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)
• 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.

External Links

[TAG30]

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

[TAG32]

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


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

[TAG35]

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

[TAG37]

• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.

Resources:

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