Summer brings an abundance of fresh herbs—each one packed with aroma, flavor, and natural health benefits. Whether you’re cooking for family, experimenting with new recipes, or adding freshness to pantry staples, these herbs can elevate every dish.

Let’s explore some of the most popular seasonal herbs and how to make the most of them in your kitchen:

🌱 Basil

• Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly peppery, and highly aromatic
• Uses: Great in pesto, Caprese salads, pizza, and pasta
• Tip: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve flavor
• Bonus: Mix chopped basil into butter for grilled corn or bread

🌱 Mint

• Flavor Profile: Refreshing, cool, and crisp
• Uses: Works in fruit salads, spicy curries, cocktails, or teas
• Tip: Tear gently—mint bruises easily
• Bonus: Infuse mint and cucumber in water for a summer refresher

🌱 Rosemary

• Flavor Profile: Woodsy, pine-like, and bold
• Uses: Ideal for roasting meats, vegetables, and infusing oils
• Tip: Use whole sprigs and remove before serving
• Bonus: Toss on the grill for flavor-enhancing smoke

🌱 Dill

• Flavor Profile: Tangy, grassy, and clean
• Uses: Pickling, potato salad, tzatziki, or on fish and cucumbers
• Tip: Add fresh dill right before serving
• Bonus: Stir into yogurt with lemon and garlic for a quick sauce

🌱 Parsley

• Flavor Profile: Mild and peppery
• Uses: Great in tabbouleh, gremolata, sauces, and as a garnish
• Tip: Flat-leaf is stronger than curly—choose based on use
• Bonus: Mix with garlic, lemon zest, and oil for gremolata

🌱 Oregano

• Flavor Profile: Earthy, robust, and slightly bitter
• Uses: Perfect in marinades, sauces, pizzas, and slow-cooked dishes
• Tip: Fresh is milder than dried—adjust accordingly
• Bonus: Crush into vinegar for a simple herb vinaigrette

🌱 Thyme

• Flavor Profile: Delicate, minty, and floral
• Uses: Common in soups, poultry, and stock-making
• Tip: Strip leaves from stem by pulling backward
• Bonus: Add to honey and let steep for a sweet herbal drizzle

🌱 Sage

• Flavor Profile: Warm, savory, and slightly peppery
• Uses: Delicious in stuffing, brown butter sauces, and creamy pasta
• Tip: Fry whole leaves for a crispy garnish
• Bonus: Make sage-infused brown butter for gnocchi or risotto

🌞 Preserving the Flavors of Summer

Don’t let those fresh herbs go to waste! Try these preserving methods:

• ✅ Hang them upside down to air-dry in a cool, dark space
• ✅ Freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil
• ✅ Make compound butters and refrigerate or freeze for future use

Fresh herbs bring more than just flavor—they turn everyday meals into something memorable. Try incorporating a new herb into your recipes this week and let the season inspire you.

Which herb do you reach for most in summer? We’d love to hear your favorites!