Herbes De Provence, Organic, 50g

Herbes De Provence, Organic, 50g

Herbes de Provence is a classic French herb blend typically associated with the Provence region in southern France. It’s a fragrant mix of dried herbs that vary slightly depending on the producer, but it generally includes a combination of oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, marjoram, tarragon, and sometimes lavender and sage. The blend reflects the Mediterranean flavours that characterise French cuisine.

Flavour Profile:

• Taste: Earthy, savory, floral, with a hint of sweetness and woodiness, thanks to the herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil.
• Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous, and somewhat floral from the inclusion of lavender, with warm, piney notes from rosemary and thyme.
• Heat: No heat, but it brings a deep aromatic warmth to dishes.

Common Uses for Herbes de Provence:

1. Meat & Poultry:

• Roasted Meats: A popular seasoning for roast chicken, lamb, and beef, either rubbed onto the meat or added to marinades.
• Grilled Meats: Sprinkled over grilled lamb chops, pork, or steaks.
• Stews & Braises: Adds depth of flavour to slow-cooked stews like beef bourguignon or lamb tagine.

2. Vegetables & Potatoes:

• Roasted Vegetables: A classic seasoning for roasted vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers.
• Potatoes: Works well with roast potatoes, crispy potatoes, or potato wedges.
• Grilled Vegetables: Used in the preparation of grilled vegetables, especially when making a Mediterranean-style dish.

3. Sauces & Soups:

• Tomato-based Sauces: Added to tomato sauce, pizza sauces, or pasta sauces for a Mediterranean twist.
• Soup Bases: A perfect addition to vegetable soups, especially minestrone or a French onion soup.
• Ratatouille: An essential ingredient in ratatouille, a traditional French vegetable stew.

4. Breads & Dough:

• Focaccia: Often sprinkled on focaccia bread for added flavour.
• Bread Dipping: A great addition to olive oil dips or used to season breadsticks.
• Savory Pastries: Included in doughs or fillings for savory pies and pastries.

5. Salads & Dressings:

• Salad Dressings: Adds a herbaceous flavour to homemade vinaigrettes or salad dressings.
• Fresh Salads: Sprinkled over mixed salads for a Mediterranean flavour boost.
• Marinades: Used in marinades for vegetables, chicken, or fish before grilling or roasting.

6. Fish & Seafood:

• Grilled Fish: Particularly good with grilled salmon, tuna, or sea bass.
• Seafood Stews: Adds a lovely flavour to fish soups and seafood stews like bouillabaisse.

7. Cheese & Charcuterie:

• Cheese Pairing: Great with cheeses like goat cheese and feta.
• Charcuterie Platters: Often used to season meats and enhance the flavours on charcuterie boards.

Health Benefits of Herbes de Provence:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: The herbs used, like rosemary and thyme, are high in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress in the body.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Many of the herbs, particularly thyme and rosemary, have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Digestive Health: Herbs like basil and oregano support digestive health and can help ease symptoms of indigestion.
4. Immune-boosting: Many of the herbs have immune-boosting properties, with rosemary and thyme being known for their antibacterial and antiviral effects.