How much salt do you eat daily? The sodium in our diets is more than simply shaking salt on our meals; we often forget that sodium is a popular ingredient in many pre-prepared foods. Skipping the salt and being mindful can be exciting. Every meal can be fresh and flavorful with herbs. To support this effort, More Herbs, Less Salt Day was created!
More Herbs, Less Salt Day is August 29th. This effort promotes herb-based diets while reducing the sodium intake for the average person. More Herbs, Less Salt Day helps us all take notice of what we eat and encourages us to get creative with new flavors.
To celebrate successfully, try these 3 ideas and take a step towards a healthier lifestyle:
- Make more home-cooked meals. Try making it a family affair!
- Create your home herb garden. Plant an outdoor herb garden or go for a kitchen herb garden.
- Reduce salt use and check sodium content on foods.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS
Herbs do more than season your favorite dish. They benefit your health in many wonderful ways. Here are a few of our favorite common herbs for cooking and popular choices for many dishes.
- Basil has anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for helping arthritis. Basil can also be used for anti-bacterial and antioxidant purposes. It can help treat asthma, colds, and even sinus infections.
- Thyme promotes good digestion and can help with respiratory problems and skin disorders. It contains beneficial minerals and vitamins like potassium, manganese, and iron.
- Cilantro is rich in beneficial minerals and vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A is good for your eyes and vitamin K supports stronger bones.
- Rosemary is good for your memory. It is rich in antioxidants and is even believed to help protect eyes against macular degeneration.
HOW-TO EASILY INCORPORATE HERBS INTO YOUR RECIPES
Herbs are edible plants that can be used in cooking, fresh or dried. If you are looking for fantastic fragrance and flavor, herbs are a great choice. Perfect when paired with savory or sweet, herbs enhance your meals naturally. Cooking with fresh herbs is easy and limitless! Here are a few ideas of different ways to cook with fresh herbs:
- Soups or Stews
- Marinades
- Sauces
- Salad Dressings & Vinaigrettes
- Stocks
- Breads
- Desserts
- Drinks
HERB-INFUSED WATER RECIPES
Take a tasty step towards a healthier you with herbs and water. Drinking more water is extremely important to keeping your body refreshed and hydrated. Proper water intake speeds up your metabolism, reduces toxins, and helps with your digestion. Make it exciting with a punch of delicious flavor and fresh herbs. Try Strawberry Thyme or Blueberry Basil Infused Water. Homemade infused water is easy to make and even better to drink.
STRAWBERRY THYME INFUSED WATER
Strawberry Thyme Infused Water is known as a happy drink and contains mood enhancing properties. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C which can help ease your stress. Thyme and its fragrant flavor can help calm and relax you.
Ingredients:
- 6 strawberries, chopped
- 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 quart cold water
First, clean your strawberries and fresh thyme. Chop your strawberries and pour your ingredients into a large glass. Allow your mixture to infuse for at least 2 hours in a refrigerator.
BLUEBERRY BASIL INFUSED WATER
Want healthier looking skin? Try Blueberry Basil Infused Water. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that do wonders for your skin. Basil helps lower inflammation and can slow down signs of aging.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 quart cold water
First, clean your blueberries and basil leaves. Pour everything into a large glass. Allow your mixture to infuse for at least 2 hours in a refrigerator.
Download the recipe cards here!
HOW-TO DRY HERBS
Another great way to put your fresh herbs to good use is to dry them. When you dry your own herbs, you know that they are fresh. Plus, you can create your own homemade herb seasonings!
Air drying your herbs is a classic approach used in culinary and medical practices. Simply, hang a bunch of fresh herbs upside down until all the moisture has left. Then, crumble the dried leaves into a container and preserve it. Another way to air dry your herbs is to pluck each leaf from the stems. Place the leaves on a rack or tray and allow the leaves to dry completely. Both methods will take about a week to complete.
SHOP FOR PLANTS WITH EASE
To better serve you, at Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have convenient ways to shop for your home herb garden! Shop our local breezy, open-air stores or shop online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery!
Stop by today and explore our beautiful selection now! Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
