ITALIAN EDUCATION
HERBS EDITION
HOW TO USE HERBS
In Italian cooking, herbs are those little extras that make every dish magical. Think parsley, basil, thyme and rosemary – they’re the A-listers in the flavour department. These herbs aren’t just for show, they bring out the best in pasta, pizza, and everything in between, helping to add that authentic Italian charm! Plus, they’re like little health heroes, packing a punch of antioxidants too! But it’s not just about health – it’s about celebrating the seasons. Herbs change with the weather, keeping things fresh and in tune with nature. So, when you are serving or cooking up that Italian goodness, know that herbs are one of the secret ingredients making every bite a little piece of Italian culinary heritage.
PREPPING TO PERFECTION
CHOPPING
Chop those herbs that are hardier, creating a finer texture to add flavour through a dish.
- Wash and dry your herbs.
- Separate the leaves from the stems, discarding the thicker ones and for any woody herbs like rosemary or thyme, it's about making sure the leaves are picked from the branches.
- Stack the leaves together, and hold them firmly.
- With a sharp knife, use a rocking motion, keeping your fingers curled and using your knuckles as a guide.
- Chop through the stack of leaves until you achieve the desired fineness.
- Gather the chopped herbs, and give them a final quick chop if needed.
- Now get using them!
CHIFFONADE
Chiffonade herbs that are easily bruised to maintain their colour and texture.
- Wash and gently dry your herbs.
- Stack several leaves on top of each other, making sure they align. Roll the stack tightly into a cylinder shape (like a swiss roll).
- With a sharp knife, make thin, crosswise cuts through the rolled herbs. This will result in fine, elegant ribbons.
- Unroll the slices, and your chiffonaded herbs are ready to elevate your dishes with a touch of freshness and visual appeal!
THE PROS HOW TO GROW
THE END OF THE YEAR
JULY:
- Basil
- Parsley
AUGUST :
- Parsley
SEPTEMBER :
- Parsley
OCTOBER:
- Parsley
NOVEMBER :
- No herbs grow at this time of year
DECEMBER:
- No herbs grow at this time of year
THE START OF THE YEAR
JANUARY:
- No herbs grow at this time of year
FEBUARY:
- Basil
- Oregano
MARCH:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Mint
- Thyme
- Rosemary
THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR
APRIL:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Mint
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
MAY :
- Basil
- Oregano
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Parsley
JUNE :
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
THE END OF THE YEAR
JULY:
- Basil
- Parsley
AUGUST :
- Parsley
SEPTEMBER :
- Parsley
OCTOBER:
- Parsley
NOVEMBER :
- No herbs grow at this time of year
DECEMBER:
- No herbs grow at this time of year
THE START OF THE YEAR
JANUARY:
- No herbs grow at this time of year
FEBUARY:
- Basil
- Oregano
MARCH:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Mint
- Thyme
- Rosemary
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