7 Commonly Used Italian Herbs & Spices Every Cook Needs In Their Kitchen
"Food is my love language." - this may be the new slang generated by gen-z, but people from every generation will agree with it. The beauty of a place or the cleanliness kept by its citizens aren't remembered in the long term, but the food and its tastes and platter are. Food is said to be one of the sincerest expressions of the place's culture. Local food or specialized food of a place tells about the local culture of the place and reflects the place's lifestyle, taste, economy, history, and tradition.
One of the most famous countries known among travelers for its beauty is Italy. But, it is not just the beautiful street and the country's history that makes it famous; the Italian food makes the place even more special. For a traveler who is passionate about food and loves trying different cuisines, Italy is always on the bucket list. Italian dishes are known for their simplicity, freshness, and flavors, the freshness and flavor it gets from their dry spices.
Uniqueness Of Italian Spices
Italian herbs and spices are truly unique; from getting picked up from the farms to getting packed to getting delivered to the market, every step is unique. The natural herbs and spices are delicately picked up from the farm, hand-pounded, and freshly packed. These hand-tossed steps of preparing the spices enhance the aroma and taste of the Italian dishes. Moreover, the Italian herbs and spices are known to brighten up the color of the food and complement the food with the taste familiar to us.
Another unique point to notice in Italian spices is the perfect blend of different spices. Yes, you heard it right, "blends of different spices. " Italian spices are usually a combination of many spices mixed, leaving a few solely used spices, to bring exotic flavors to the food. These exotic flavors and aromas are why Italian food is accepted globally and is one of the favorite cuisines worldwide. In addition, the herbs and spices mixed in the Italian food are the reason for the flavor of most loved Italian foods like pizza, pasta, and risottos.
Most Demanded Italian Spices Found In Every Kitchen
Italian food is Mediterranean food and is a favorite global food, and we do not need to give second thoughts about this. But, one thing that makes the food more demanding is the herbs and spices we can now find in almost every kitchen in the world. So, here is the list of seven most commonly used Italian herbs and spices that holds a special place in almost all the kitchen in the world:
Bay Leaves Or Laurus Nobilis
Despite being native to Asia, Bay leaves hold an important place in the list of Italian spices and herbs. The leaves' origin is commonly associated with Greece and Italy. They are used in a dried format and are an important part of Italian cuisine. The leaves are mostly added to stews, sauces, and soups to enrich their flavor.
Basil Leaves Or Ocimum Basilicum
A member of the mint family, the basil leaves have glossy, deep, green, pointed leaves and deliver a sweet-and-savory flavor. The taste of the leaves includes the flavor of anise, pepper, and mint and is used in both forms: fresh and dried. The popular Italian herb is the main herb ingredient of pesto and is also used in salads, dressing, and other cold dishes. Moreover, the flavor of dried basil leaves is much appreciated in soups, stews, roasted meat, and sauces and forms the key ingredient of Margherita pizza.
Oregano Or Origanum Vulgare
Coming from the mint family, oregano is the joy of mountain with a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. The herb is mostly used in the dried form and acts as a staple in Italian, Turkish, Mexican, and Greek Cuisine. In addition, the herb is highly demanded in pizza and pasta sauces and acts as one of the most versatile spices on your kitchen shelf.
Marjoram Or Origanum Majorana
Marjoram is a close cousin of oregano and shares a similar appearance as oregano. The herb is a major combination of grassy, slightly lemon leaves and acts as a great spice for poultry dishes, egg recipes, and herb kinds of butter. This herb is used in the slightest quantity and is best used while fresh. Moreover, the floral aroma herb has a very strong flavor and is used in a moderate amount.
Parsley Or Petroselinum Crispum
Being a member of the Apiaceae family of plants, parsley has a bright but slightly bitter taste that overpowers other flavors. These fresh herbs are mostly used to garnish many Italian dishes, layer basil in lasagne, and as an ingredient in Italian meatballs.
Thyme Or Thymus Vulgaris
Thyme is a popular herb recognized for its small, pale green leaves. The herb has an intense aroma and is popular among cooks as well as gardeners. The special quality of the fresh thyme to hold the heat longer makes it be used throughout the cooking process. The herb suits well to hearty dishes like pork loin, fatty meats, and lemony chicken breasts.
Rosemary Or Rosmarinus Officinalis
Rosemary, or dew of the sea, belonging to the mint family plant, is popular for its distinct woody stems holding needle-like leaves and evergreen aroma. The perennial shrub is a classic Italian seasoning that pairs best with garlic and lemon. Moreover, the herb is most liked with fresh or dried chicken dishes, salads, pasta, and sauces.
Conclusion
Whether you are in Italy or love Italian cuisine, keeping these spices and herbs is going to bring the best Italian flavor to your table. These Italian herbs and spices are easily available in the market, while you can even grow these herbs for your domestic use because these herbs are the ingredient that brings flavor to Italian food. So, if you want to enjoy Italian cuisine from the kitchen of a top Italian cook, Nota Bene Inc. brings you the best food on your table.