Exploring Unique and Unusual Herbs: Enrich Your Gardening and Cooking Adventures

Unveiling the World of Lesser-Known Culinary Herbs 

Herbs have long been revered for their culinary and medicinal benefits, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences. While common herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are staples in many kitchens, there exists a world of unique and unusual herbs that can elevate your gardening and cooking to new heights. This article seeks to inspire you to explore 7 distinctive herbs that offer a fresh palette of flavors and aromas. 

Among these hidden gems are herbs that bring new dimensions to your dishes with their unique flavors and uses. Whether you are an adventurous home cook or a gardening enthusiast eager to diversify your herb garden, exploring lesser-known herbs can be both rewarding and fun. From the pungent, medicinal aroma of epazote, commonly used in Mexican cuisine, to the celery-like notes of lovage that can enhance soups and stews, there are numerous herbs waiting to be discovered. Salad burnet offers a mild cucumber-like flavor, perfect for refreshing salads, while the star-shaped blue flowers of borage add a subtle taste to drinks and light dishes, making your culinary creations both visually appealing and delightful in flavor. 

A vibrant display of fresh herbs at a bustling market, displaying an array of textures and shades of green in woven baskets.

Unique Herbs to Try in Cooking 

If you're looking to elevate your culinary game with some unusual herbs, here are a few to consider: 

Epazote 

Origin: Central and South America 

Flavor Profile: Pungent, medicinal aroma 

Culinary Uses: A staple in Mexican cuisine, epazote is often used to flavor beans and believed to help with digestion. Add a sprig when cooking beans or soups to enhance the flavor and reduce bloating. Use sparingly due to its strong taste. 

Lovage 

Origin: Mediterranean and Western Asia 

Flavor Profile: Similar to celery 

Culinary Uses: Its leaves add a fresh, herbal touch to soups and stews. Toss finely chopped leaves into salads, or use them as a substitute for celery in soups and broths. The seeds are great as a spice too! 

Salad Burnet 

Origin: Europe and Western Asia 

Flavor Profile: Mild cucumber-like flavor 

Culinary Uses: Offers a mild cucumber-like flavor that's great in salads and as a garnish. Mix it into vinaigrettes or sprinkle over fresh greens to add a light, cucumber-like freshness. 

Borage 

Origin: Mediterranean region 

Flavor Profile: Subtle, cucumber-like taste 

Culinary Uses: Known for its star-shaped blue flowers, borage is delightful in drinks and light dishes. Float the flowers in drinks for a decorative touch or add leaves to dips and salads for a cooling flavor. 

Summer Savory 

Origin: Mediterranean region 

Flavor Profile: Peppery 

Culinary Uses: Perfect for seasoning beans and meats. Use it as a seasoning for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or baked beans. It's a classic pairing with legumes. 

Shiso (Perilla) 

Origin: East Asia 

Flavor Profile: Complex—part mint, part basil, and part citrus 

Culinary Uses: Frequently used in Japanese and Korean cooking. Wrap sushi or sashimi in shiso leaves, or use them to add a citrusy and minty kick to salads and stir-fries. 

Rue 

Origin: Europe and North Africa 

Flavor Profile: Bitter 

Culinary Uses: Often used sparingly to add depth to Mediterranean dishes. Infuse a small amount in olive oil or vinegar to add its bold, bitter flavor. 

Gardening Tips for Growing Unique Herbs 

Growing your own unique herbs can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Epazote 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun 

Water: Moderate watering 

Tip: Epazote can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers a warm climate and can tolerate poor soil conditions. 

Lovage 

Soil: Rich, moist soil 

Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun 

Water: Regular watering 

Tip: Lovage is a perennial herb that can grow quite tall. It benefits from occasional feeding with compost or organic fertilizer. 

Salad Burnet 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade 

Water: Moderate watering 

Tip: Salad burnet is a hardy perennial that can thrive in various conditions. It is best propagated by division or seeds. 

Borage 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun 

Water: Regular watering 

Tip: Borage grows quickly and can self-seed. Its star-shaped blue flowers attract pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden. 

Summer Savory 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun 

Water: Moderate watering 

Tip: Summer savory is an annual herb that does well in warm climates. It can be grown from seeds and benefits from pinching back to encourage bushy growth. 

Shiso (Perilla) 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade 

Water: Regular watering 

Tip: Shiso can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can be grown indoors or outdoors. 

Rue 

Soil: Well-drained soil 

Sunlight: Full sun 

Water: Moderate watering 

Tip: Rue is a perennial herb that prefers dry, rocky soil. It is best propagated by seeds or cuttings and should be handled with care due to its potential skin irritants. 

Preserving Herbs for Long-Term Use 

A collection of elegantly designed glass bottles filled with golden olive oil infused with fresh herbs, beautifully arranged on a rustic wooden table.

To ensure the flavors of these unique herbs remain vibrant throughout the year, consider these preservation methods: 

Drying 

Drying herbs is one of the most effective ways to preserve them. Hang bundles of herbs in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dry, store them in airtight containers. 

Freezing 

Freeze herbs in ice cube trays with water or olive oil. This method helps retain their flavor and makes them easy to use in cooking. 

Infusing Oils and Vinegars 

Infusing oils and vinegars with fresh herbs can capture their essence and extend their shelf life. Use these infused liquids in dressings, marinades, and sauces. 

Incorporating Unique Herbs into Everyday Meals 

Emphasizing sustainability and creative cooking, these herbs can be incorporated into various recipes to add new dimensions to your culinary creations. 

Epazote 

Use: Add a sprig to beans or soups 

Lovage 

Use: Substitute for celery in soups and broths 

Salad Burnet 

Use: Mix into vinaigrettes or sprinkle over fresh greens 

Borage 

Use: Float flowers in drinks or add leaves to dips and salads 

Summer Savory 

Use: Season roasted vegetables, meats, or baked beans 

Shiso (Perilla) 

Use: Wrap sushi or sashimi, add to salads and stir-fries 

Rue 

Use: Infuse in olive oil or vinegar for Mediterranean dishes 

By exploring and incorporating these unique herbs into your gardening and cooking endeavors, you can unlock new flavors and experiences. These lesser-known herbs offer a rich tapestry of aromas and tastes, inspiring creativity and sustainability in your culinary adventures.