The Flavors Of Italian Cooking

Get To Know These Five Classic Italian Herbs
 

When you see a recipe that calls for 'Italian Herbs' what do you picture?  A bottle of prepared seasoning that is supposed to be Italian?  How do you know the flavors are what you want?  Let's take a look at what is most authentic when it comes to Italian herbs.

Basil

Fresh or dried, this is one herb that is unmistakable. It's pungent aroma is so familiar, it is pretty much expected in many Italian dishes.  Pesto is one common use.  Processed with pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this is a standard sauce to keep on hand for many uses, including as a topping for pasta and bread.

This herb is a super-source for vitamin K which is essential for normal blood clotting as well as bone health and cell growth.  Also rich in vitamin A, iron, and calcium, this is one herb you may want to include in your cooking more often.  Basil is ancient and revered, and in Italy is a symbol of love.

Marjoram

If you cook a lot, you won't confuse marjoram with oregano.  But, there seems to be a debate because these two herbs are so closely related.  However, marjoram has a much milder, sweeter aroma than oregano.  If you do a side-by-side analysis, you should smell the difference.  Marjoram, because of its milder flavor, is often used in cream soups, fresh salads, and white sauces, whereas oregano is used more often in richer red sauces.

This herb has healthful benefits as well as flavorful benefits.  Marjoram is rich in iron and a good source of vitamins A and C, and also calcium. You'll find many recipes for using marjoram as a tea for all sorts of ailments.  But mostly, marjoram is used fresh or dried in a variety of Italian dishes.

Oregano

This is an herb that is well known by all Italian cooks, and wannabe Italian cooks.  You can barely read an Italian recipe without having oregano within reach.  Oregano, meaning 'mountain joy,' certainly brings joy to many kitchens.  However, the flavor is so intense, this is one herb I rarely use fresh.  It seems to overwhelm the dish if it's fresh, so I choose the dried variety.

Nutritionally speaking, oregano has a lot to offer, including vitamin K, manganese, iron, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, and is a powerful antioxidant.  Although used for centuries for cooking, and as an ornamental herb to symbolize joy, we didn't know about oregano in the United States until after World War II when soldiers brought it home from Italy.

Rosemary

Snipped fresh from the plant, rosemary has an aroma of pine and sea that you can't mistake for anything else.  Often paired with pork and lamb, this herb also has found its way into other savory sauces, dips, and most notably, flavored oils.  A must have in every Italian kitchen, this is an herb that is easily grown year round, even in a small container.

Rosemary has been used throughout history for improving memory, and is still today believed to have some effects on the brain.  Rich in fiber, iron, and calcium, rosemary is believed to strengthen the immune system, increase circulation, and improve digestion.  Along with all this, anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce the symptoms of asthma.  But, before all this, rosemary captures us with the aroma and flavor.  The rest is, as they say, gravy... which is also another perfect use for rosemary.

Thyme

When we think of Italian cooking, we often think of spicy, rich, dark, heavy meat sauces.  Although that is a part of Italian cuisine, we have to remember Italy has a couple big coastlines, and that means seafood.  Thyme is a delicate herb which pairs with fish in a magical way.  The combination is a classic.  Another classic is the pairing of thyme and mushrooms.  Need I say more?

Yes, thyme is delicate, but it packs a lot of nutritional bang.  You'll find thyme to be higher than most of the other herbs in vitamin K, and a very respectable source of iron.  Like the other herbs, thyme is a powerful antioxidant and deserves a place on every table.  Thyme has also been used as an antiseptic and gargle.  This herb grows well in containers and is best when used fresh.

With these five classic Italian herbs, you have the basis for just about any dish you want to make.  Whether you are creating a red meat sauce, or a white wine sauce, or a pesto, or a salad, or a grilled fish meal, it all starts with the herbs.  Get to know these herbs and you'll be cooking Italian dishes with style, flavor, and flair.