The 52 Italian Herb Garden
Most of us know what goes in the basic Italian herb garden , but there are over 50 herbs and spices used regularly in Italian recipes. What really makes Italian cuisine stand out so significantly is in the broad use of all of these frequently used herbs and spices from around the world.Some of them, such as cinnamon, comes from the bark of huge trees and so might not be convenient for most home gardens, and some are particular to certain growing zones. However, for the most part, these herbs and spices can easily be grown and incorporated into our attempt to create our favorite Italian dishes.
Of course a discussion must start with the essential Italian herbs – basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley and sage. There are over 40 varieties of basil but it is “Sweet Basil” that is most used in Italian dishes. It has a broad waxy leaf and grows to several feet high. It will seed in several months of growth allowing for a continuous supply of this tender herb throughout the season.
Oregano, sometimes called wild marjoram, like basil is a member of the mint family grows perennially. It is the Mediterranean variety that has a sweeter more delicate flavor.
The intense aromatic essential oil of rosemary makes it a favorite for adding flavor to meats. It is a perennial evergreen that is somewhat sensitive to frost. Their stems make a flavorful skewer for kabobs!
Thyme is a perennial herb with numerous woody stems that are round and hard. It usually grows to about 8” in height. Continuous harvesting of thyme will keep it under control. Keep in mind that dried thyme has a stronger flavor than fresh, just as ground is stronger than chopped. It blends well with other herbs and is great in stews.
Italian Parsley is sweeter and tenderer than its curly leafed cousin and it universally used to blend with other herbs, enhancing their flavor. It is a biennial, if you can keep it that long, that is sensitive to too much sun or water. Planting it in a semi-shaded spot in soil that drains well but stays dampish will keep you in parsley all season long.
Adding sage to this list makes me feel as if I’m going to the Scarboro Fair. But sage very appropriately belongs in the list of the most commonly used Italian herbs. It also belongs to the mint family and is used with meats sauces, as a tea, for medicine, for its aroma and as a beautiful plant.
Below are list an additional 46 herbs and spices, many are as significantly used as those listed above and are just as essential to Italian cuisine – from appetizer to dessert, they should be considered for inclusion in your Italian herb garden
Allspice
Anise Seed
Arrow Root,
Bay Leaves
Borage
Capers
Caraway Seed
Cardamom
Celery
Celery Seed
Chervil
Chives
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cumin
Dill
Dill Seed
Fennel Seed
Garlic
Ginger
Horseradish
Juniper Berries
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
Lemongrass
Mace
Marjoram
Mint
Mustard leaves
Mustard seed
Nutmeg
Onion
Paprika
Pepper
Poppy Seeds
Red Pepper
Saffron
Sesame Seed
Sorrel
Summer Savory
Tarragon
Turmeric
Vanilla
