Mixed Herbs, 50g

Mixed Herbs, 50g

Mixed herbs are a combination of dried herbs, typically including rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and parsley. These herbs are commonly found in Mediterranean and European cuisines, where they bring together a balance of savory, earthy, and herbaceous flavours. The mixture of these herbs is versatile, making it a convenient blend for a wide variety of dishes.

Each herb in the mix has its unique properties, and when combined, they create a robust flavour profile that can enhance many types of meals.

Flavour Profile of Mixed Herbs:

• Rosemary: Woody, piney, and slightly peppery with a strong, aromatic flavour.
• Thyme: Earthy, slightly lemony, and savory with a mild minty undertone.
• Marjoram: Sweet, floral, and mildly minty with a subtle spicy note, somewhat similar to oregano.
• Parsley: Fresh, green, and mildly peppery with a light herbaceous flavour that adds a subtle depth.

Together, these herbs combine to create a well-rounded mix with a slightly earthy and savory taste, with subtle citrusy and floral notes.

Common Uses for Mixed Herbs:

1. Seasoning for Meats:

• Roasted Meats: Mixed herbs are excellent for seasoning roast lamb, chicken, beef, or pork. The earthy and aromatic flavours of rosemary and thyme, combined with the milder marjoram and parsley, create a delicious seasoning for roasted or grilled meats.
• Marinades: Mixed herbs can be used in marinades for meats, adding flavour while tenderising the protein.

2. Vegetables:

• Roasted Vegetables: The blend works wonderfully with roasted or grilled vegetables like potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or eggplant, giving them a delightful savoury finish.
• Vegetable Soups & Stews: Mixed herbs can be added to vegetable soups, stews, or casseroles to enhance their flavour, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes.

3. Sauces & Dressings:

• Herb-Based Sauces: Mixed herbs are a great addition to herb-infused oils or pesto, where they can create a rich herbal base for pasta dishes or salads.
• Salad Dressings: Combine mixed herbs with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of mustard to create a flavorful dressing for fresh salads.

4. Soups & Broths:

• Broths: The blend is a popular addition to soups and broths, where it helps deepen the flavour of the liquid base.
• Hearty Soups: Mixed herbs are commonly used in hearty soups like minestrone, lentil soup, or vegetable broth to add herbal depth.

5. Pasta Dishes:

• Pasta Sauces: The mix of rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and parsley is perfect for enhancing the flavours of tomato-based sauces, creamy pasta dishes, or even simple olive oil and garlic pasta.
• Risottos & Grains: The herb mix can be stirred into risotto, quinoa, or couscous to add a burst of flavour.

6. Breads & Baking:

• Herb Breads: Mixed herbs can be used to flavour bread dough, particularly for focaccia, where rosemary, thyme, and marjoram work together to enhance the rustic flavour of the bread.
• Pastries & Savoury Pies: You can add mixed herbs to savoury pastries, like herb-filled turnovers or meat pies, for extra aroma and taste.

7. Mediterranean Dishes:

• Greek & Italian Recipes: Mixed herbs are often used in Greek and Italian cooking for dishes like moussaka, eggplant Parmesan, or Greek salads.
• Herbed Olive Oil: The herbs can be infused in olive oil for dipping bread or drizzling over salads and grilled meats.

8. Herbal Teas:

• While not as common, you can make a mild herbal tea using mixed herbs. The blend can have a light soothing effect, especially the marjoram and thyme, which are traditionally used to aid in digestion and relaxation.

Health Benefits of Mixed Herbs:

1. Digestive Aid:

   • Thyme and marjoram both have carminative properties, meaning they help relieve gas, bloating, and improve digestion.
   • Rosemary is traditionally used to stimulate appetite and aid in the digestion of fatty foods.

2. Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory:

   • The herbs in this blend contain various antioxidants, such as rosmarinic acid in rosemary and thyme, which help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress in the body.

3. Respiratory Health:

   • Thyme has been used traditionally to help ease coughs and congestion due to its antibacterial and expectorant properties. It’s great in teas or broths for soothing the respiratory system.

4. Mood-Enhancing:

   • Rosemary and marjoram are known for their mood-lifting properties, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Marjoram, in particular, is used to relieve tension and support mental clarity.

5. Antimicrobial:

   • These herbs have mild antimicrobial properties, helping to protect the body from harmful bacteria or infections

Ingredients:

Rosemary, thyme, marjoram, parsley