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Five Most popular Herb Gardening Plants
There are many types of herb gardening plants you can grow at home depending on your personal preference and taste. Before you buy seeds for your new herb garden, learn about the five most popular herbs and their uses to get an idea of the type of herb plants that would work best for your needs and lifestyle.
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
A member of the mint family, basil is one of the most popular herb gardening plants due to its fresh, minty flavor. Basil is frequently used in Italian and Indian cooking, but can be used to add flavor to almost any dish. There are many different varieties of basil that you can grow depending on your taste and how you plan to use it. Different types of basil can vary in flavor ranging from sweet to spicy. Basil is particularly good in dishes that contain tomato, eggplant, and peppers. It can also be added to meat or fish.
2. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Like basil, oregano is one of the most popular herb gardening plants used in Italian cuisine. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, and it can be added to many different dishes. It's frequently added to stews, pizza, spaghetti sauces, and soups. Oregano is a popular choice among home gardeners because it doesn't require a lot of light and can be grown inside.
3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is one of the most recognizable garden herbs due to its distinct smell and taste. It's often used in hearty dishes that contain meats, potatoes, and whole grains. It's also a favorite around the holidays and can be added to a variety of traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes. In addition to culinary uses, rosemary can also be made into incense, and its oil can be used for medicinal purposes. In fact, rosemary has been used to improve memory for thousands of years.
4. Cilantro (Coriandrun sativum)
Cilantro belongs to the parsley family. It's one of the most frequently used herbs in Latin cuisines due to its refreshing taste. Cilantro's cooling flavor is perfect for hot days and light dishes. It is also often used in Indian dishes such as traditional curries to balance out the spiciness of the recipe. Home gardeners enjoy growing cilantro because it's very easy to take care of and can be grown indoors.