Plus check out our exclusive summer recipe: Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Summer is a great time to experiment with different herbs. Herb gardens can usually produce more herbs than most people know what to do with. As a chef, I say that’s a good problem to have!

Here are the top 10 summer herbs, some ways to use them in cooking and a few medicinal purposes:

1. Basil

This herb is perfect for adding flavor to salads, pasta dishes, and sauces like pesto and basil oil. Italian basil can also work as a substitute for Thai basil, if blended with mint. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion.

2. Mint

Mint is great for adding a refreshing flavour to drinks (Mojitos!), desserts, and salads. Mint grows like a weed and can come in different varieties, like spearmint, lemon mint, and orange mint providing inspiration for different uses. It can also help with digestion and relieve nausea. Mint tea anyone?

3. Rosemary

This herb is perfect for adding flavour to roasted meats and vegetables. Rosemary is a staple in my meat and veggie marinades. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with memory and concentration.

4. Thyme

Thyme is great for adding flavour to marinades, soups, stews, and roasted meats. It also has antibacterial properties and can help with respiratory issues.

5. Sage

Sage is perfect for adding flavour to stuffing, roasted meats, and sauces. Sage also grows like a weed! It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with memory and concentration.

6. Oregano

Oregano is great for adding flavour to pizza, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetables. Also a great garnish for Greek, Spanish, and Mexican cuisines. Oregano has antibacterial properties and can help with digestion.

7. Lavender

Lavender is perfect for adding flavour to desserts, teas, and cocktails. It also has calming properties and can help with anxiety and insomnia. Just add to your bubble bath!

8. Dill

Dill is great for adding flavour to fish dishes, salads, and dips like tzatziki. Whip a little into your cream cheese or butter for an easy and delicious addition to a brunch spread. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion.

9. Green Onions/Chives

Green onions and chives are perfect for adding flavour to soups, salads, and dips. Green onions are incredibly easy to regrow by just keeping 2-inches of the base stem with the roots intact. Place the bottoms in a cup of water and watch it grow for a few days then plant in soil. They also have antibacterial properties and can help with digestion.

10. Parsley

Parsley is great for adding flavour to salads, soups, and roasted meats. An excellent refreshing garnish to most dishes. The base for a chimichurri sauce. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion.

There are so many ways to use these herbs in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the benefits of these amazing summer herbs!

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By Chef Julian Pancer, The Chef Upstairs