PLANT LORE STUDY GROUP: APRIL 2025: THE KITCHEN HERB GARDEN: PART II

Basil: Sweet (Ocimum basilicum): contains compounds like eugenol, linalool, citronellol, and cineole which promote healthy digestion, reduce bloating, soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, ease stress, reduce high blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. Basil is a rich source of calcium, vitamin C, iron, and zinc, and can be used in egg dishes, juices, oils, pesto, pizza, salads, sauces, seafood, seasonings, simple syrup, tea, and tomato salad.

Chives: Onion (Allium schoenoprasum): contain thiosulfate and allicin which prevent blood clots, reduce blood vessel stiffness, improve circulation by releasing nitric oxide, lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, prevent excess fat buildup and maintain a lower total body fat percentage, and ease stomach distress. Chives have a high content of choline and folate that helps improving memory. Chives have a citrusy taste and can be used in garnishes, sauces, soups, egg and potato dishes, fish, seafood, and vegetables. The blooms can be eaten, used in herb butters and oils, and used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): also known as coriander, cilantro contains linalool that contributes to its medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain and inflammation, is a powerful antioxidant, is antibacterial, promotes healthy digestion, eases nausea, lowers cholesterol, is an anticonvulsant, protects the skin from damage, and improves liver function. Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. Cilantro is a leafy herb with a bold flavor that can be used in garnishes, sauces, seasonings, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, baked goods, and beef and poultry dishes.

Dill (Anethum graveolens): contains flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids that play an important role in brain and heart health, and contribute to its antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective properties. It is a good source of vitamins A & C, manganese, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, and zinc which supports a healthy immune system, and helps with bone formation, and wound healing. Dill should be used in recipes as fresh as possible and added at the end of the recipe. It can be used in flavorings, pickling, garnishes, sauces, seasonings, root vegetable dishes, and pairs well with summer vegetables and creamy bases such as mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): contain estrogen, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and polyphenols that provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc that help build strong bones, lower blood pressure, and stimulate breast milk production. Fennel is one of the spices in a Chinese Five Spice recipe, and can also be used as a flavor enhancer, added to salads, sauces, sausages, soups, stews, and dessert recipes. It can be roasted, grilled, or boiled to create a poaching liquid for fish and poultry.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): contains citral, a natural plant compound with anti-inflammatory effects, and myrcene, a bioactive compound with analgesic properties that can help relieve mild pain. It reduces high systolic blood pressure, eases anxiety, restores vital systems in the body, including the immune defense mechanism, relieves digestive issues, reduces fever, and clears chronic periodontitis. Lemongrass can be used in tea, dressings, juices, cakes, and fruit jellies. The essential oil can be used to heal wounds.

Marjoram: Sweet (Origanum majorana): contains carvacrol that contributes to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, digestive, and vulnerary properties. It can be used to promote hormonal health in women, ease digestive issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion, relieve coughs, colds, bronchitis, and menstrual cramps, soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and calm the body and mind. Sweet marjoram is very nutritious thanks to its vitamin A, C, & E, thiamin, magnesium, potassium, and folate content. It can be used in marinades, sauces, salads, stuffing, sausage, preserved meats, and as a seasoning for beef, fish, pork, poultry, and seafood.

HERB STARTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE DURING THE PROGRAM:

$ 5.00 each: 4” Pot: (2) Available Each:

·        Echinacea: Purple Coneflower

·        Hyssop: Anise

·        Lemon Bee Balm: Bergamot: Lemon

·        Lemon Balm

·        Marjoram: Sweet

·        Nasturtium

·        Oregano

·        Spearmint

·        Thyme

·        Tulsi: Holy Basil

$8.00 each: 19-ounce Pot: (2) Available Each:

·        Basil: Sweet

·        Chives: Onion

·        Dill: Compact

·        Lemon Balm

·        Oregano: Greek

·        Oregano: Italian

·        Peppermint

·        Rosemary

·        Sage: Garden

·        Sage: Pineapple

·        Spearmint

·        Thyme: German

·        Thyme: Lemon

$3.00 Each: Dried Herbs: 1.7-Ounce Shaker Bottle:

·        Lemongrass

·        Marjoram

·        Oregano

·        Rosemary

·        Thyme