Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A Herbs Guide is a Valuable Tool For Every Cook

By Peter Williams

Have you ever found yourself wondering, what herb is that? If so, then it's time to get an herbs guide to aid in your new cooking talent. An herbs guide can explain everything you need to know about herbs, including how they are grown, what they are used for in cooking and other important facts.

Some Examples of Herbs

What are some of the healthiest and most delicious herbs that are recommended by cooks and diners alike? Garlic is certainly at the top of any herbs guide, as this herb delivers both great taste and other physical benefits. Garlic can prevent heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and it also shows signs of preventing cancer development.

Another well regarded herb is Hawthorne berry and this too will be in every herbs guide. Known for its health benefits, it can reduce the risk of heart problems by enlarging the arteries & slowing the heart rate. Another 'health' herb is Ginko Bilobo, this one is great for people with macular degeneration

It is also recommended to treat problems with vertigo, depression, senility and inner ear disturbances. Licorice is also mentioned as a healthy herb, one that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is known to ease arthritis and prevent Alzheimer's disease and is regularly found in curry dishes.

Herbs... Delicious, Healthy & Smell Wonderful

Don't just buy an herbs guide for health reasons, you would be wasting money. Herbs have been used in cooking for eons and, depending on which one is used, the taste of many dishes can be significantly improved. For example, if you're looking for a 'mint' flavor throw in some basil or for a strong spice taste, try oregano. Many herbs are used in cooking.

As you read through an herbs guide you will notice that culinary herbs are slightly different from other types of extracts, such as leafy greens, spices, berries, seeds, roots, fruit or even dried leaves and roots. Culinary herbs are used in small amounts and primarily for adding flavor instead of substance. Many of the most popular types of culinary herbs are actually shrubs, including such herbs as rosemary. Others are extracts from trees, such as bay laurel, while others are extracts from botanic (or non-wooden) plants.

The Kitchen Cousins... Herbs & Spices

Ever thought about the differences between herbs & spices? Both of these words are commonly used to refer to the drier portions of the plant & they are both responsible for making food taste better. Herbs are more aligned with green leafier plants & spices with more aromatic plants like cinnamon.Spices do better in warm environments whereas herbs prefer a more temperate climate. Generally speaking spices now includes herbs & extracts

There are so many varieties of herbs available for cooking and if your wish is to improve your cooking, then learning about them is a great place to start. Many of the most common ones have beautiful flavors plus are very healthy. The best tool for learning all about these terrific plants is an herbs guide.

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