When summer is in full swing, gardeners are busy harvesting their tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini. But our favorite summer dishes would be nothing without this essential ingredient: fresh herbs.
Herbs have long been the unsung heroes of kitchen pantries worldwide. Without these crucial ingredients, many of our favorite foods wouldn't be the same. Take cucumbers, for example. On their own, they're a light and refreshing veggie great for snacking; but they are transformed when placed in a jar filled with vinegar, salt, sugar, and multiple sprigs of dill.
Keep reading to learn about our top 5 favorite summer herbs and the best ways to cook with them. We’ve also included information on how to grow these herbs in a GreenStalk successfully!
Basil
Basil is one of the most versatile herbs to grow at home. Most people think of basil in connection with pizza, pasta, or pesto, but it can also be found in curries, salads, soups, and even desserts. Basil has a subtly sweet, minty, and peppery flavor and can even taste slightly spicy to some. This versatility makes basil great for savory or sweet dishes. One delicious way to use basil is in a cucumber, melon, and tomato salad, where fresh basil elevates the dish with the best flavors of summer.
To grow your own,plant one per pocket in an Original or Leaf GreenStalk Vertical Planter.Basilthrives in warm weather and abundant sunlight and needs consistent watering. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and continuous harvesting, providing fresh leaves throughout the season.
Cilantro
Cilantro is definitely a favorite here at GreenStalk! Its fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavor is most commonly associated with Mexican cuisine. It also makes a wonderful addition to dishes like chimichurri and cucumber raita, or you can eat it raw as a garnish. Try it on top of Al Pastor tacos with salsa verde, diced onion, and fresh lime juice.
Growing cilantro in the summer can be both rewarding and challenging, as it tends to bolt when the weather gets too hot. Plant one per pocket in your Original or Leaf GreenStalk. Make sure to water regularly and harvest the leaves frequently to encourage continuous growth. For best results, consider succession planting every few weeks to ensure a steady supply.
Mint
Mint has a sweet and slightly earthy flavor and produces a cooling sensation in the mouth due to menthol — a naturally occurring chemical found in the leaves. Common uses for mint include mint chocolate chip ice cream or peppermint tea. Mint is great for desserts, helping to cut through the rich creamy and sugary flavors. For example, adding a chiffonade of mint to a classic berries and cream recipe can elevate the dish with a cool and refreshing twist.
It is important to note, however, that mint is very invasive! If you are growing mint in a GreenStalk, we recommend keeping it in its own tier and regularly pruning both its foliage and roots.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s piney, earthy, and lemony essence pairs well with rich, meaty flavors and holds up to various cooking methods, including roasting, searing, and braising. When it comes to mastering a steak recipe, a key step is to baste the steak with butter and allow it to absorb the flavors of garlic and rosemary as it melts in the pan.
Plant one rosemary per pocket in your Original or Leaf GreenStalk. Although it is tolerant of the cold, it thrives in hot, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and helps maintain its shape. Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and avoid overwatering to keep your rosemary plant healthy and vibrant.
Dill
Last but certainly not least is our pick for the perfect pickle: dill. Not only is dill delicious, its delicate leaves also make a beautiful garnish. It can be used in salads, dips, sauces, and compound herb butter. The most common use for dill is, of course, pickling. Dill has a light, citrusy, and licorice-like flavor with grassy undertones. These flavors pair well with the salty acidity of pickling brine and take fresh cucumbers to a new level during the pickling process.
Dill can attract beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant in the garden. Plant one per pocket in your Original or Leaf GreenStalk. It grows well in warm weather and full sun. Make sure to plant in well-draining soil and water regularly.
Thanks for reading about our top 5 herbs that are an essential part of our favorite summer dishes. We hope we gave you some inspiration to get cooking with our own summer herb garden!
