Discover Unusual Culinary Herbs to Elevate Your Cooking Game

Herbs are an essential part of any dish, adding depth of flavor and aroma that elevate even the simplest meals. While many of us are familiar with common herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, there is a world of unusual culinary herbs waiting to be explored. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most unique and flavorful herbs from around the globe that can take your cooking game to the next level.

The Bold and Spicy: Vietnamese Coriander

A bunch of Vietnamese coriander leaves on a wooden cutting board

If you're looking for a herb that packs a punch, look no further than Vietnamese coriander. Also known as "rau ram," this herb has a sharp, spicy taste that's perfect for adding a kick to soups, stews, and salads. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.

The Fragrant and Floral: Lavender

A close-up photo of a purple blooming lavender plant

Lavender is a beloved herb with a distinctive floral scent that's used in everything from perfumes to tea blends. But did you know that it's also a delicious culinary herb? Lavender adds a subtle sweetness to baked goods like cakes and cookies, and can also be used in savory dishes like lamb or chicken. Just make sure to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way!

The Pungent and Aromatic: Epazote

A bunch of fresh green epazote leaves on a white plate

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably tasted epazote without even knowing it. This pungent herb is a staple in traditional dishes like black bean soup and enchiladas, where its distinctive flavor and aroma add a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate. Epazote also has digestive properties that can help alleviate gas and bloating.

The Refreshing and Citrusy: Lemon Verbena

A jar filled with dried lemon verbena leaves

Lemon verbena is a citrusy herb with a bright, refreshing flavor that's perfect for summertime cooking. Its leaves can be used in everything from cocktails to marinades to desserts, adding a zesty kick that's sure to impress your guests. Lemon verbena also has calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

The Earthy and Nutty: Lovage

A bunch of fresh lovage leaves and stems on a wooden cutting board

Lovage is a lesser-known herb that deserves more attention. With a flavor that's somewhere between celery and parsley, it adds an earthy, nutty note to soups, stews, and sauces. It also has medicinal properties that can help with digestion and inflammation.

The Bright and Peppery: Shiso

A bowl filled with fresh green shiso leaves

Shiso, also known as perilla, is a leafy herb popular in Japanese and Korean cuisine. It has a bright, peppery flavor that pairs well with fish, rice dishes, and sushi rolls. Shiso also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe upset stomachs.

The Aromatic and Medicinal: Tulsi

A bunch of fresh green tulsi leaves on a white plate

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a sacred herb in Hindu culture with numerous health benefits. Its leaves have a spicy, clove-like flavor that's often used in teas and tinctures to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Tulsi also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost immunity.

The Savory and Umami: Winter Savory

A bunch of fresh green winter savory leaves on a wooden cutting board

Winter savory is a hardy herb that's perfect for cold-weather cooking. Its leaves have a pungent, savory flavor that's ideal for seasoning meat dishes, stews, and casseroles. Winter savory also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore throats and coughs.

Liven up your meals with these unusual culinary herbs and take your cooking to new heights! Try incorporating them into your favorite recipes and experiment with different flavor combinations. Who knows - you might just discover a new family favorite.