5 Essential Herbs & Spices For Every Kitchen + How to Use Them

plant-based smoothie

Unsure where to start when building your collection of herbs and spices? Focus on building your collection with the essentials first. The following herbs and spices can be found in any grocery store and are some of the most versatile and important in our Whole Harvest opinion.

Note, the difference between herbs and spices is that herbs are the leaves of the plant, while spices come from the roots or bark of the plant.

Oregano – Herb

  • Use in marinades or stuffings
  • Chop and mix into bread
  • Garnish a pizza
  • Add to a salad

Red Pepper Flakes – Spice

  • Add to homemade marinara sauce
  • Top a pizza
  • Top a pasta dish

Curry – Spice

  • Flavor soups or stews
  • Marinade vegetables
  • Season potatoes

Parsley – Herb

  • Add to pesto
  • Make chimichurri sauce
  • Top pasta dishes
  • Use on vegetables

Thyme – Herb

  • Flavor marinades
  • Add to soups
  • Make tea
  • Add to cocktails/mocktails

 

Keep in mind, these are just a few of the many ways you can use these herbs and spices! Have fun experimenting and even try mixing a few together.

Having versatile spices and herbs on-hand to use can make any meal more complex and delicious.

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