About a year ago, I got interested in growing my own herbs. My mom used fresh herbs in her cooking and her dishes were so flavorful. Not only are the herbs tasty in my soups, stews, salads and more, they are so pretty growing in my kitchen! I have learned from my mom, fresh herbs are best when added at the end of a meal, when they will still be fresh and bright when the meal is served. However, I often find myself unsure of which herb goes with which foods. You too? Awesome! Here is a short guide to using some of the most common herbs in your cooking:

Which Herbs Go Best With What Foods

• Bay Leaves – You can add this herb to slow cooker recipes like soups and stews as well as seafood or cheese based sauces for an added depth of flavor. These are used whole a need to remember to remove bay leaves before serving the meal.
• Cilantro – This herb comes from the coriander plant and is most commonly found in Mexican foods. I use it in my guacamole, dips, tacos, and salads. You can also add it curried chicken salad with celery and apples for the perfect meal. I also add a bit crushed up into my beef or chicken stir-fry.
• Dill – this soft and sweet herb is perfect for mayonnaise based meals such as tuna fish, egg salad, potato salad and for subtle flavoring.

Photo Credit: Kicking it with Kelly

• Basil – This is one of the most widely used and recognized herbs with its flavor reminding you a bit of cloves and licorice It may be most known for a Caprese salad or other dish, which uses the basil with a tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese. I use it to make pesto, another common use for the herb. You can also add it to butter and smear inside of the corn husks before roasting corn. Add it to salsa or fruits to make your own relish for grilled tuna.
• Chervil – This parsley looking herb is a close relative of the carrot. You can often find it added to Béarnaise sauces and pairs well with salmon and eggs.
• Parsley – This mildly bitter herb has a slightly grassy flavor and adds a bright, fresh flavor to many dishes. Many use curly parsley as a garnish, and the flat leaf variety can be added to your soups, stews, seafood, steak, and chicken. I added it to my 3 Cheese Turkey Meatball Manicotti Casserole. And, it even curbs bad breath after eating foods rich in garlic.
• Oregano – An Italian favorite, this herb pairs well with tomato based sauces and is commonly sprinkled over pizza as well as stews and kabobs.

Easily Start Your Own Herb Garden

Now that you have a better understanding of what herbs can go best with which foods, it’s time to think about growing your own herbs. Starting your own herb garden is super simple with the Smart Herb Garden Starter Kit from Click & Grow. Your starter kit, which retails for just $59.95, comes with three basil plants, but you can also order sage, mini tomatoes, strawberries and chili peppers. Because this is something you can grow inside, it will take away that unpredictable weather patterns most of the world has been dealing with. With use of innovative, natural, NASA-inspired technology your herb garden will grow faster and be more nutritious. With its adjustable lamp, you can allow your herbs to grow strong and tall!

About Click & Grow

Mattias Lepp, the founder of Click & Grow, noticed that busy entrepreneurs, children and parents were super excited and joyful when they tested out the first Smartpot.  The mission here is to embark you on a journey with your herbs and get a sense of responsibility as well as balance. The hope is that you will learn a few things about yourself and grow as an individual during your journey of using the Smart Garden from Click & Grow.

See how easy it is to set up your Smart Herb Garden!

In addition to the Smart Herb Garden, Click & Grow offers customized packages for those seeking to create their own Craft Beer, Cheeky Fruit or Divine Teas. Each of the packages have the perfect herb mixture to ensure you make the best beer, tea and fruit based dishes after your herbs have fully grown. Get social with Click & Grow on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

What is your favorite herb and which dish do you use it in most often?

One USA reader will win a Click and Grow Indoor Herb Garden ARV $60