Hello, friends!👋 As a lover of all things fresh and flavorful, I’m here to share my tips on how to make the most out of your farmers market finds- specifically, fresh herbs and spices!💫

Why Fresh is Best

Before we dive into the ways to use herbs and spices, let’s chat about why fresh is always the best option.🍅 While dried herbs and spices have their place in cooking, there’s no denying that fresh brings a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your dishes. Especially when it comes to herbs like basil or parsley, the pop of green color is just as important as the taste itself.🌿 Plus, using fresh herbs and spices is a great way to support local farmers and reduce waste in your kitchen!

Get Creative with Combinations

One of my favorite aspects of cooking with herbs and spices is getting creative with flavor combinations.👩‍🍳 Rather than sticking to the same few pairings, try branching out and experimenting with new combinations. Love cilantro? Try pairing it with zesty lime juice and peppery arugula for a unique twist on your favorite summer salad. Or, mix cinnamon and cumin for a warm, comforting spice rub to season your roasted veggies. The possibilities are endless- get creative!

A photo of fresh cilantro, lime, and arugula sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Herbs in Everyday Cooking

While fresh herbs may seem fancy or intimidating, they’re actually a great way to brighten up and add flavor to even the simplest dishes.🍴 Try tossing chopped parsley into your scrambled eggs for a pop of color and flavor, or sprinkle fresh thyme over roasted chicken for an easy yet elegant dinner. Need some fresh inspiration? Check out what herbs you have on hand and do a quick online search for recipes to inspire your everyday cooking!

A photo of a simple scrambled egg dish with chopped parsley on top, accompanied by a slice of toast.

Spices for Homemade Seasonings

Using spices to create your own homemade seasoning blends is an easy and budget-friendly way to elevate your cooking.💰 Whether you’re making a simple blend of garlic powder and paprika for your roasted potatoes, or taking on a more complex curry powder recipe, spices are an easy way to add depth and flavor to your dishes. Try experimenting with quantities and combinations until you find your perfect blend!

A photo of a variety of mason jars, each labeled with homemade seasoning blends like "lemon pepper" and "smoky BBQ."

Preserving Fresh Herbs

There’s nothing worse than buying a beautiful bunch of fresh herbs, only to watch them wilt away in your fridge before you can use them up.🥀 Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks to preserving fresh herbs so you can enjoy them all week long. Try placing them in a jar of water (like a fresh bouquet of flowers!) and covering the top with a plastic bag to create a makeshift greenhouse. Alternatively, chop up your herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil for an easy way to add flavor to soups and stews.

A photo of fresh herbs like basil and rosemary, placed in glass jars with water and covered with plastic bags to preserve freshness.

Thanks for reading, friends!🌸 Whether you’re a seasoned herb and spice enthusiast or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and discover in the world of fresh ingredients. Happy cooking!🍴

A photo of a colorful farmers market stand, filled with fresh produce and herbs.