Help yourself to herbs grown in the Community Herb Garden!
Apple mint is an aromatic herb from the mint family. Unlike other mint varieties, this plant has a softer mint flavor and a sweetness reminiscent of apples.
Culinary: Apple mint leaves have a fresh, fruity flavor that pairs well with fruit, vegetables, and meats. Its flavor profile makes it refreshing in cold recipes, such as salads, iced tea, or sorbets.
Medicinal: Apple mint is used as a remedy for digestive issues, such as nausea and indigestion. The scent of apple mint can be used to relieve headaches and migraines.
Other: Apple mint has also been shown to repel insects and is a good alternative to chemical insecticides.
Pineapple Mint, Wooly Mint, Round Leafed Mint
Catmint is an herb belonging to the mint family with fuzzy green leaves and flowers in white or lavender. Catmint is best known for its ability to stimulate cats, but it has useful properties for humans as well.
Culinary: Both catmint leaves and flowers can be used in herbal tea. When young, the leaves can be eaten fresh, by themselves or in a salad. Older leaves have a milder flavor and can be added to soups or sauces.
Medicinal: Catmint is known for calming effects and can be used as a sleep aid and to treat anxiety or stress-related conditions. It is also useful for minor pain relief, such as headaches and toothaches.
Other: Catmint is a great tool for cat enrichment. The scent of catmint acts a natural repellent for deer, mosquitoes, and flies.
Catnip, Cat's Wort, Field Balm
A member of the onion family, chives have narrow, grass-like leaves and pale lavender flowers.
Culinary: With the exception of the bulb, all parts of the chive can be used. The long green stems have a mild onion flavor, while the white part of the stem is stronger. These are typically used as a garnish or to add subtle onion notes to a dish. The chive flowers have a very strong onion flavor and can be eaten raw as a garnish, pickled, or deep-fried. Blossoms can also be used to infuse vinegar or butter.
Medicinal: Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron. It may help treat high blood pressure, digestive problems, and the common cold.
Other: Chives are a natural insect repellent and deter harmful pests such as aphids and slugs.
Onion Chives, Wild Chives
Dill has slender stems with soft, feathery leaves. In the summer, dill produces small yellow flowers, which later turn to flat brown seeds.
Culinary: Both dill leaves and seeds can be used for culinary use. Dill leaves have a sweet, grassy flavor, while dill seeds have an aromatic flavor similar to caraway seeds. Dill is often paired with salmon, potatoes, yogurt-based sauces, and pickled vegetables.
Medicinal: Chewing dill seed can clear up halitosis. Dill seed or leaves can be applied in a poultice to treat bruises and gum infections. Traditionally, dill has been used to treat colic in infants and promote milk flow in nursing mothers.
Dillweed, American Dill
The classic Victorian variety of nasturtium, "Empress of India" is a compact bushy plant formed of dark green leaves and bright red flowers.
Culinary: Nasturtium blossoms are edible and have a sweet, peppery taste similar to watercress. The leaves and unripe seedpods are also edible, with notes of pepper and citrus. Nasturtium is an ideal ingredient for salads or garnishes. Nasturtium pesto uses the leaves in place of basil. When pickled, the seedpods have a flavor similar to capers.
Cosmetic: The flower buds have a mustard oil similar to that produced by watercress. This oil can be added to face masks and hair treatments.
Indian Cress
Garden sage is an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region, with silver-green leaves and lavender flowers.
Culinary: The leaves may be used fresh or dried in a wide variety of savory dishes, especially Mediterranean cuisine. It can also be used in compound butter, infused oils, tea, or cocktails. The purple blossoms have a sweet floral taste, making them perfect for jellies, deserts, salads, or teas.
Medicinal: Sage can be used to treat menstrual cramps and hot flashes. It is also frequently used for digestion, sore throats, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcers.
Cosmetic: Sage blossoms have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect addition to homemade soaps or bath salts. Sage can also be used in a hair rinse and may help prevent dandruff.
Common Sage
Greek basil has aromatic green leaves, which are smaller than those of sweet basil. The "Globe" variety of Greek basil has green leaves with a strong scent and intense spicy flavor.
Culinary: Basil is used extensively in Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian dishes like pesto, pasta sauces, and pizza. Due to its strong flavor, Greek basil pairs well with tomato-based dishes, fresh tomatoes, and pesto.
Medicinal: Basil leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Basil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. Many of basil's health benefits disappear when dried, so use fresh basil when possible!
Other: Basil is a natural repellent for mosquitoes and flies.
Mammoth sweet basil grows large puckered leaves with a strong flavor. These leaves may grow as large as a person's hand.
Culinary: Basil is used extensively in Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian dishes like pesto, pasta sauces, and pizza. Due to its large size, mammoth basil is known for its wrapping capabilities. Fill with olive spread, tomatoes and mozzarella, or grilled fish.
Medicinal: Basil leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Basil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. Many of basil's health benefits disappear when dried, so use fresh basil when possible!
Other: Basil is a natural repellent for mosquitoes and flies.
Lavender is known for its fragrant purple flowers and delicate floral taste. Munstead lavender, in particular, has a strong and long-lasting scent.
Culinary: Butter, sugar, or syrup infused with lavender can be added to baked goods or drinks. Dried lavender buds make a sweet floral tea.
Medicinal: Lavender is known to improve sleep quality. Lavender aromatherapy is also used for treatment of headaches, anxiety, and exhaustion. Adding lavender to bath salts eases joint and muscle pain. Diluted lavender oil is used to treat sunburn or insect bites.
Cosmetic: Lavender's floral scent makes it a popular ingredient in soap, lotions, bath oils, and other cosmetic products.
Other: The scent of lavender makes it ideal for adding to cleaning supplies. Since they retain color well, the dried flowers can be used for potpourris or dried flower arrangements.
English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender
Peppermint is a member of the mint family with bright green and purple leaves. Peppermint has a distinctly strong, sweet mint flavor and is the most commonly used mint variety.
Culinary: Peppermint is commonly used for flavoring in deserts, candies, and drinks, especially chocolate-based items. Dried peppermint can be used in tea or as a seasoning in savory dishes.
Medicinal: Peppermint aids digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea. In aromatherapy, peppermint is used to relieve headaches, respiratory issues, and anxiety.
Greek oregano is a woody plant from the mint family. The "Pizza" variety of Greek oregano has fragrant green leaves and flowers in vibrant pinks and purples.
Culinary: Oregano has a strong aroma and intense flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine. It is used in savory dishes, such as roasted vegetables, meat, and fish.
Medicinal: Concentrated oregano oil can treat inflammation from arthritis and allergy-based asthma. Oregano may help also improve insulin resistance.
Other: Oregano is suited for ornamental gardens, as many varieties have been cultivated for distinct leaf and flower color.
Wild Marjoram
Red rosie basil is a compact plant with deep purplish-red leaves. In summer, the plant produces purple flower stalks with small white flowers.
Culinary: Basil is used extensively in Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian dishes like pesto, pasta sauces, and pizza. Red rosie basil is best used for flavoring soups, sauces, and fish.
Medicinal: Basil leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Basil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. Many of basil's health benefits disappear when dried, so use fresh basil when possible!
Other: Basil is a natural repellent for mosquitoes and flies. The intense color of red rosie basil is suited for ornamental gardens.
Roman chamomile has long green stems and white daisy-like flowers.
Culinary: Chamomile blossoms are commonly used in herbal tea. The blossoms can also be used to flavor jams, candies, baked goods, and infused liqueurs. Chamomile leaves are also edible and can be added to salads. However, the leaves are bitter so use sparingly.
Medicinal: Chamomile aids in digestive problems, such as indigestion, nausea, and motion sickness. Chamomile can also act as a natural sleep aid.
Cosmetic: Chamomile's floral scent makes it a good choice for soap, lip balms, bath salts, and other cosmetic products.
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with aromatic needle-like leaves. Sporadically throughout the year, the plant produces clusters of white flowers.
Culinary: Rosemary leaves may be used fresh or dried in a wide variety of savory dishes, especially Mediterranean cuisine. Rosemary is best used for stews, breads, oily fish, and meats like poultry, pork, and lamb.
Medicinal: Rosemary contains antioxidants which boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. The leaves can also be used to improve digestion.
Other: Rosemary is a natural deer repellent.
Spearmint is a member of the mint family, with bright green leaves and spikes of small white or purple flowers. If not properly managed, spearmint can become an invasive species.
Culinary: Spearmint is commonly used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine. Spearmint is commonly used to flavor candies, gum, ice cream, and other sweet dishes. It is also used in sauces (such as tzatziki and labneh), salads, and cold drinks. Spearmint can also be used in herbal tea blends.
Medicinal: Spearmint aids digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea. When applied topically to the skin, spearmint can help reduce swelling, muscle or nerve pain, and cramps. Regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce androgens in women with hirsutism and PCOS.
Garden Mint, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint
"Siam Queen" Thai basil has small aromatic green leaves. The "Siam Queen" variety produces purple flowers in the late summer.
Culinary: Thai basil is used primarily in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Unlike other varieties, Thai basil has a flavor similar to anise or licorice. Thai basil is best used for curry, stir fry, phở, and meat-based dishes. Thai basil should be used fresh and added during the last moments of cooking, as overcooking reduces the flavor.
Medicinal: Basil leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Basil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. Many of basil's health benefits disappear when dried, so use fresh basil when possible!
Other: Basil is a natural repellent for mosquitoes and flies.
Anise Basil, Licorice Basil
Native to Paraguay, stevia is a small flowering plant grown for its sweet-tasting leaves.
Culinary: Stevia is a natural sweetener, making it an ideal sugar replacement. Use stevia leaves to sweeten drinks, sauces, or smoothies. With adjustments, it can also substitute for sugar in baked goods but will not caramelize like sugar or feed yeast for breads. Stevia leaves become sweeter after drying, though fresh can still be used. Once dried, stevia can also be powdered, added to syrup, or turned into an extract for easier use.
Medicinal: As a sugar substitute, stevia can be used to treat diabetes, lower blood pressure, or increase weight loss.
Candyleaf, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf