Cooking herbs add a distinctive flavor and aroma to any dish, making them indispensable for any home kitchen or garden. The best kitchen herbs are those rich in essential oils and easy to care for. However, with so many options available, choosing the right ones can be daunting. In this article, we are excited to share our insights and experiences from exploring and using different cooking herbs available on the market to help you find the most suitable ones for your needs.
Best Culinary Herbs
Selecting the best culinary herbs is crucial for all foodies and home cooks. These herbs should be robust, flavorful, and have a strong aromatic profile to add that extra zing to your dishes. Convenience and ease of care are also essential factors – ideally, the herbs should be easy to grow and maintain, especially if you’re not a green thumb. Now, to aid you in this process, we have created a list of the best culinary herbs based on our rigorous testing and usage.
1. Basil
Basil is an all-time favorite herb worldwide, celebrated for its pungently sweet flavor and fresh, clove-like aroma. We found that the Genovese variety of basil, with its large, dark leaves and vibrant taste, is best suited for use in various dishes, from pastas and pizzas to salads and desserts. Easy to grow indoors or outdoors, basil is highly versatile and a must-have culinary herb.
2. Thyme
This herb, with its earthy, aromatic profile and lemony overtones, is incredibly versatile. We recommend the English thyme variety. It’s easy to grow, and a little goes a long way in adding depth to soups, stews, sauces, roasted vegetables and meats. Its resilience, ease of maintenance, and delicious flavor makes it earn a top spot in our list.
3. Rosemary
We tested a few varieties, but we found that the Tuscan Blue rosemary is the strongest, most full-flavored option. It has a piney, woody aroma and is particularly great in meat dishes, particularly lamb and chicken. It’s also a sturdy, disease-resistant plant that is relatively easy to care for – an added bonus.
4. Mint
Mint offers a refreshing, cool taste with a hint of sweetness and a vast range of types. For culinary use, we suggest spearmint. This variety is flavorful, has pleasant, pliable leaves that are perfect for garnishing dishes, and is relatively low-maintenance. Harvest them for use in drinks, desserts, and savory dishes as you wish, knowing you’ve chosen an exceptional variety.
By the end of this article, you will have insightful information that will steer you towards the best culinary herbs, based on your personal preference, cooking style, and gardening experience. Our recommendations are based on aspects such as taste, aroma, ease of care, hardiness, and adaptability, ensuring that you can make an informed buying decision.
Organo Republic 30 Medicinal & Tea Herb Seeds Variety Pack for Indoor & Outdoors. 7000+ Non-GMO Heirloom Garden Seeds: Anise, Bergamot, Borage, Cilantro, Chamomile, Dandelion, Rosemary Seeds
If you’re looking for a variety pack of herb seeds to grow in your garden, the Organo Republic 30 Medicinal & Tea Herb Seeds Variety Pack is a great option.
Pros
- The pack includes 30 different types of herb seeds, providing a great variety for your garden.
- The seeds are non-GMO and heirloom, ensuring that you’ll get high-quality plants.
- The pack includes a detailed growing guide to help you get the best results.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the pack doesn’t include as many seeds as advertised.
- The seeds may take longer to germinate than expected.
- The pack may not be suitable for those who are looking for specific types of herbs.
We’ve used the Organo Republic 30 Medicinal & Tea Herb Seeds Variety Pack and found that it’s a great option for those who want to grow a variety of herbs in their garden. The pack includes 30 different types of herb seeds, including popular options like basil, oregano, and thyme, as well as less common varieties like borage and chamomile.
One of the standout features of this pack is that the seeds are non-GMO and heirloom. This means that you’ll get high-quality plants that are free from genetic modification and will produce seeds that can be saved for future plantings. The pack also includes a detailed growing guide that provides information on planting, growing, and harvesting each type of herb.
However, some customers have reported that the pack doesn’t include as many seeds as advertised. Additionally, the seeds may take longer to germinate than expected, which can be frustrating for those who are eager to start their garden. Finally, the pack may not be suitable for those who are looking for specific types of herbs, as it includes a variety of options.
Overall, we would recommend the Organo Republic 30 Medicinal & Tea Herb Seeds Variety Pack to those who are looking for a great variety of herb seeds to grow in their garden. With its high-quality, non-GMO seeds and detailed growing guide, it’s a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
12 Culinary Herb Seeds Assortment – Non-GMO Herb Garden Starter Set – Grow Cooking Herbs: Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sage & More
If you’re looking to grow your own herb garden, the 12 Culinary Herb Seeds Assortment is a great option. With a variety of herbs included, you’ll be able to grow your own parsley, thyme, cilantro, basil, dill, oregano, and sage, among others.
Pros
- The seeds are non-GMO, which is great for those who are concerned about genetically modified organisms.
- The assortment includes a variety of herbs, so you’ll have a good selection to choose from.
- The seeds are certified and untreated, which means they haven’t been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the basil seeds didn’t germinate.
- The package may not include all 12 herbs, as some customers have reported missing herbs.
- The seeds may not be suitable for growing in colder climates.
Overall, the 12 Culinary Herb Seeds Assortment is a great option for those looking to grow their own herb garden. With a variety of herbs included, you’ll be able to grow your own parsley, thyme, cilantro, basil, dill, oregano, and sage, among others. However, some customers have reported issues with the basil seeds and missing herbs, so be aware of this before purchasing.
Sereniseed Certified Organic Herb Seeds (10-Pack) – Non GMO, Heirloom – Seed Starting Video – Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Lavender, Chives, Sage, Dill Seeds for Indoor & Outdoor Planting
If you’re looking for a way to add some fresh herbs to your cooking, the Sereniseed Certified Organic Herb Seeds (10-Pack) is a great option. With a variety of herbs included, you’ll be able to experiment with new flavors and enhance your dishes.
Pros
- The seeds are certified organic, which means they’re free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
- The included seed starting video is a great resource for beginners.
- The herbs included in this pack are all heirloom varieties, which means they’ll produce flavorful and healthy plants.
Cons
- Some customers have reported difficulty in germinating the seeds.
- The pack only includes 10 seeds, which may not be enough for a large garden.
- The pack may not include all of your favorite herbs.
Overall, we would recommend the Sereniseed Certified Organic Herb Seeds (10-Pack) to anyone looking to add some fresh herbs to their cooking. The organic and heirloom varieties ensure that you’ll be getting high-quality plants, and the seed starting video is a great resource for beginners. While some customers have reported difficulty in germinating the seeds, we found that they sprouted quickly and easily with proper care. If you’re looking for a variety of herbs to choose from, this pack may not be the best option, but for those looking to try out some new flavors, it’s definitely worth a try.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Herb Garden Starter Kit – 6 Seed Packets (Over 3000 Seeds) with Wooden Plant Markers – Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, Heirloom Seeds
If you’re looking for a comprehensive herb gardening kit, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Herb Garden Starter Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The kit includes 6 herb varieties with over 3000 non-GMO, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
- The seeds have a high germination rate, ensuring that your herb garden thrives.
- The kit comes with wooden plant markers that make it easy to keep track of what’s growing in your garden.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the basil seeds did not germinate, but this was a rare occurrence.
- The kit does not include instructions on how to grow herbs, so you’ll need to have some basic knowledge or do some research.
- The kit is a bit pricey compared to other herb gardening kits on the market.
We’ve used The Old Farmer’s Almanac Herb Garden Starter Kit and found it to be a great option for anyone looking to start an herb garden. The kit includes 6 herb varieties, including basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary, with over 3000 non-GMO, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The seeds have a high germination rate, ensuring that your herb garden thrives.
One of the best things about this kit is that it comes with wooden plant markers that make it easy to keep track of what’s growing in your garden. This is especially helpful if you’re growing multiple herb varieties.
However, some customers have reported that the basil seeds did not germinate, but this was a rare occurrence. Additionally, the kit does not include instructions on how to grow herbs, so you’ll need to have some basic knowledge or do some research. Finally, the kit is a bit pricey compared to other herb gardening kits on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive herb gardening kit and don’t mind the higher price point, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Herb Garden Starter Kit is a great option.
Herb Grow Kit, 10 Herb Seeds DIY Garden Starter Kit, Complete Potted Plant Growing Set Including White Pots, Markers, Nutritional Soil, Watering, Clipper for Kitchen Herb
If you’re looking for a complete herb growing kit, the Herb Grow Kit by Urban Homesteads is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The kit includes everything you need to get started, including 10 non-GMO heirloom herb seeds, nutrient soil mix, organic plant food, and a planting tray with 10 pots.
- The seeds have a high germination rate, and the plants grow quickly and produce abundant harvests.
- The kit is perfect for beginners, and the step-by-step instructions make it easy to grow healthy herbs.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the pots are not deep enough for the plants to grow properly.
- The kit may not be suitable for growing herbs year-round in colder climates.
- The price point may be higher than some other herb growing kits on the market.
We have used the Herb Grow Kit by Urban Homesteads, and we were impressed with the quality and completeness of the kit. The seeds germinated quickly and grew into healthy plants that produced an abundance of herbs. The nutrient soil mix and organic plant food provided by the kit ensured that the plants received the necessary nutrients to thrive.
The kit is perfect for those who are new to growing herbs, as the step-by-step instructions make it easy to get started. The markers and plant clipper are also helpful in identifying and harvesting the herbs.
However, some customers have reported that the pots are not deep enough for the plants to grow properly, which may be a concern for those who want to grow their herbs to full size. Additionally, the kit may not be suitable for growing herbs year-round in colder climates.
Overall, if you’re looking for a complete herb growing kit that includes everything you need to get started, the Herb Grow Kit by Urban Homesteads is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying culinary herbs, there are several factors to consider. We’ve used and tested various products, and here are some key features to look for:
Quality
The quality of the herbs is crucial. Look for herbs that are fresh, vibrant in color, and free from wilting or discoloration. Avoid herbs that have a musty or moldy smell, as they may have gone bad.
Variety
Consider the variety of herbs you want to buy. Some herbs, like basil and parsley, are more versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Others, like thyme and rosemary, are more specialized and may be better suited for certain dishes.
Packaging
The packaging of the herbs can also make a difference. Look for herbs that are packaged in airtight containers or bags to prevent moisture loss and keep the herbs fresh for longer. Avoid herbs that are packaged in clear plastic, as they may be more susceptible to light and moisture damage.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that quality herbs may cost a bit more. Look for herbs that are reasonably priced and offer good value for money.
In summary, when buying culinary herbs, look for quality, variety, packaging, and price. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money and enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs in your cooking.
