Additional Articles

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called include many varieties that flavor everything from appetizers to desserts.  The best-known species in North American are peppermint (M. x piperita) and spearmint (M. spicata), which are highly valued for commercial use.  Mint symbolizes “hospitality” and can be grown in pots and containers indoors and [...]

Dill: The Most Important Culinary Herb in Scandinavia

he ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it is commonly known, was mentioned some 5,000 years ago in early Egyptian writings.  It is the most important culinary herb in Scandinavia, as popular as parsley is in other parts of the world.  The word ‘dill’ stems from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning “to [...]

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown indoors and out.  Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium.  They are grown for the flavor of their leaves, which is reminiscent of onion, although much milder.  Both the stems and light purple flowers are used in cooking and the snipped [...]

Basil: The King of Herbs

One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly called sweet basil.  Often called the ‘king of herbs,’ basil can be grown indoors or out.  Sweet basil has inch-long, oval-pointed, dark green leaves and a clove-pepperish odor and taste.  Sweet basil makes a handsome, bushy small plant, growing to a foot or more indoors.  [...]