Herbs have the power to transform a bland dinner into a feast.
Even more, through herbs, people can experience far away lands, and appreciate tastes and flavors they haven’t before.
It’s like going on a world journey while enjoying the comfort of your kitchen.
So, if you feel adventurous and want to try something new in your food, here are five exotic herbs every pantry should have:
#1: Vietnamese Coriander
Originating from Southeast Asia, this herb is also called Vietnamese cilantro, hot mint, and/or Cambodian mint.
The flavor is similar to cilantro, but it is a bit spicier and it has some strong hints of lemon and mint.
The herb grows easily in any climate and doesn’t mind being potted.
Also, it thrives in hot environments (such as summers in some American states).
This herb is used instead of peppermint (in Southeastern Asian countries) and works well in soups, curries, or noodle dishes.
However, you have to be careful with how much you add in foods (especially in the beginning) since it has a very strong flavor.
#2: Hibiscus Flower
The Egyptians were quite fond of the hibiscus flower (consumed dried in teas or sprinkled on foods) as they believed it had a wide array of health benefits.
Modern science proved them right, by showing that hibiscus tea can help reduce bad cholesterol in the body and lower blood sugar levels.
Moreover, hibiscus is known to improve digestion, which can help with weight loss, in the long term.
Lastly, recent discoveries show the tea has some anti-depressant qualities, so regardless of your needs, it doesn’t hurt to have some bulk dried hibiscus flower in your pantry.
#3: Tarragon
Easy to use fresh or dried, tarragon is an uncommon herb for American cuisine.
You usually find it in various French dishes, so if you want to add a note of sophistication to your foods, it’s the perfect addition.
You’ll want to use it with fish and chicken dishes, but it’s important to pay attention to the quantity.
If used right, its unique flavor will enhance the food’s flavor and provide a subtle, but enticing fragrance.
You can also add it to sauces (tarragon is a key ingredient in the famous French sauce Bearnaise that’s used to serve eggs benedict) and vinaigrettes.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone likes it. Tarragon’s flavor is quite divisive as people either love it or hate it.
#4: Saffron
Considered the world’s most expensive spice, saffron has been known since ancient times (the ancient Greeks and Romans used it as perfume and the Chinese used it as a medicinal herb).
However, nowadays saffron is mostly used in the kitchen, especially by Eastern and Middle Eastern people.
You’ll also find saffron in French, Spanish, Indian, and Moroccan cuisine, as it’s used to create some uniquely delicious dishes such as bouillabaisse or paella.
Saffron has two distinctive features: its golden color and its earthy, aromatic flavor.
It mixes well in a variety of dishes and a little goes a long way. So, even though expensive, it is worth having it in your pantry (it’s a long-term investment).
#5: Anise
This star-shaped herb comes from southwest China and has a distinctive flavor that needs to be handled with care (it’s very potent).
The taste is similar to black licorice and you can find it in many Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, while in the western world is more common in pastries and baked goods (it pairs nicely with citrus, cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg).
Anise is usually found dried and you can buy it whole (the star-shaped pods) or grounded.
If you choose the whole version, it’s important to know that you can add them as is in soups, marinades, or sauces and remove them at the end.
Additionally, anise is a distinctive flavor in some well-known liqueurs such as sambuca or absinthe.
In Summary
Some of the herbs mentioned above can be used both dried and green, so don’t hesitate to add them to your herb garden.
They have a fantastic flavor as green herbs, so you can enjoy them whenever you want if they are in a pot, on your windowsill.
Even more, everyone will be envious of your exotic herb garden and your amazingly flavored dishes!