herbs used in greek cooking
Though there are many varieties, spearmint is preferred for cooking. Its flavor depends on the season and what flowering plants the bees are taking nectar from. Steeped fresh mint is also a favourite herbal tea. The "soft th" is the th sound in the word "thanks. Cloves are used to stud hams before baking or spike apples for a cider punch. Herbs and spices lend flavor, color and important micronutrients – all without adding fat or calories – to home cooking. From arugula to wild celery, they season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, and more. In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavored with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. Generations of Greek cooks have focused in on many that have become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. Today, it is additionally used for treating bronchitis, headaches, influenza, motion sickness, and muscle pain. Uses: As in many other cuisines, bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and broths and then discarded before serving. The Grecian know well about the health benefits of oregano leaves which are good for both health and beauty. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/guide-to-fresh-herbs Uses: Mild but bright parsley is used as a garnish, just like in so many U.S. restaurants, and also in soups and salads. As a tea, it … In Greek cooking, mint is used to add flavour and enhance many dishes including cheese dishes, meats, and rice dishes. Summer Savory or Greek Throubi is a perennial plant of the Mediterranean usually used in cooking. To release flavour, dried herbs are best rehydrated. It’s also a strong antioxidant because of the crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol ( 3 ). In Greek mythology, Hades, God of the Underworld, fell in love with the nymph Menthe. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. They also season vegetables, seafood, meats, and savory pies. Name: DillGreek Name: AnithosPronounced: AH-nee-thohs (soft th, end rhymes with "dose"). The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), … Uses: Beans and savory are a classic combination. Name: MarjoramGreek Name: MantzouranaPronounced: mahn-dzoo-RAH-nahName in Greek: μαντζουράνα. 2. Name: PurslaneGreek Name: GlistrithaPronounced: ghlee-STREE-thath (hard th)Name in Greek: γλιστρίδα. There are many herbs which you might automatically think would be associated in this list like basil, rosemary and fennel. Greek honey: Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners in Greece. In Greece, the variety of Oregano that is used is called Origanum vulgare, and has a slightly different flavor than the oregano that is found elsewhere. It's used primarily in Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. Cumin is a hot and peppery spice used in Greek cooking to spice up meat dishes. Its natural, salt-water flavor is a far cry from the chemical taste of table salt and you will notice the difference. Uses: Fennel leaves are used in generous amounts in stews and fritters. Name: SageGreek Name: FaskomiloPronounced: fahs-KOH-mee-loName in Greek: φασκόμηλο. Uses: Wild celery turns up in Greek cooking as a vegetable or herb in soups and stews. It certainly adds a hot peppery and spicy taste to meat dishes. Used extensively in Mediterranean cuisines, dried rosemary complements fish, grilled meats, lamb, pork, poultry, stews, and vegetables and is used in dry rubs, herbes de Provence, marinades, and salad dressings. And the culinary advantages of Mediterranean herbs and spices, in particular, are extolled by pretty much any chef worth her tall white hat. Add either at the beginning of cooking, or about 20 minutes before the end. If you are interested to try some herbs in your cooking, these ones are worth using. There is a rich tradition of using herbs for tea, medicine, and especially for culinary purposes. Sea salt is the only salt used in traditional Greek cooking. The variety of herbs and spices in the Greek countryside gave the Ancient Greeks the ingredients to flavor their food, as well as the possibility to cure people. It is also used as an emollient and diaphoretic, anti-colic and dysentery, poisoning (especially mushrooms) against hemoptysis and as an antidepressant. So which medicinal herbs that the Ancient Greeks use are worth using today? One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … Such is the case with many Mediterranean fresh herbs and spices. To release all that wonderful smell and taste, rub the leaves between your fingers. Uses: Rosemary shines in meat dishes, especially lamb-based ones. The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), pronunciation guide, and the Greek name. Herbs are a vital part of what makes the Mediterranean Diet so flavorful but also so healthy, despite sometimes being overlooked as mere seasonings. Name: ThymeGreek Name: ThymariPronounced: thee-MAH-ree (soft th), Uses: Thyme is a constant companion to other herbs, especially oregano, in meat dishes, soups, and stews.Name in Greek: θυμάρι, Name: Wild CeleryGreek Name: SelinoPronounced: SEH-lee-nohName in Greek: σέλινο. Fennel . Like much Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food has traditionally used freshly grown herbs and spices. In Greek cooking you could use both oregano oil and oregano dried herb. This reflected in the famous quote of Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), physician and the father of medicine: “Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food”. Because of the many herbs used on a daily basis, there is no one herb that defines Greek cooking. Cumin seeds and ground cumin have an earthy flavour that adds richness to Mexican, bean, and shellfish recipes.. Dill, either freshly chopped or dried dill weed, gives a fresh flavour to beets, carrots, cucumbers, pickled vegetables, potatoes, and seafood. Greek cuisine is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the products. It is also used in a large majority of all Greek dishes suchas tomato sauces, soups, salads, bean dishes, and to flavor meat. Name: ArugulaGreek Name: RokaPronounced: ROE-kahName in Greek: ρόκα. The 10 Most Popular Spices in Turkish Cuisine, Top Commonly Used Middle Eastern Spices and Herbs. Uses: Tarragon and chicken are a match made in heaven. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Dendrolivano (Rosemary) Rosemary is well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Since its first use in ancient Greece, saffron was known for its libido enhancing abilities, as well as a mood and memory booster ( 2 ). Dill. Name: TarragonGreek name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: εστραγκόν. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. ", also known as antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah. Common herbs usually are well known for their culinary purposes. Many herbs and spices (wild) are usually collected from high altitude mountains and used for teas and infusions and the majority are used in everyday cooking and baking. So let’s get acquainted with 12 of the most common and versatile of them. Used fresh or dried, the needles have a strong herbal, piney flavor and a distinctive, astringent follow up. The roasted seeds are considered a substitute for coffee. Uses: Dill is used in fish recipes, various types of salads, and the classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki. Herbs have been used since ancient time. Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Uses: Oregano's sweeter cousin, marjoram is primarily used to give flavor to lamb and chicken. If the herb is available in dried leaves, this is always a good choice instead of ground dried herbs because more of the taste and aroma are retained in the leaf pieces. Name: SavoryGreek Name: ThroubiPronounced: throo-BEE (soft th)Name in Greek: θρουμπί. More Info There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking . Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. Use ground cloves for spice cakes or puddings. Mint is one of the most famous herb used in cooking. Name: ParsleyGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS (rhymes with "dose")Name in Greek: μαϊντανός. In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavoured with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. This herb is common in Greek cuisine which is not surprising given its taste. Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander . Greek honey is used in many dessert recipes, like baklava. But there is more to this herb than simply giving your meals a … Fennel was first known in Greek mythology as the plant Prometheus used to steal fire from the demigods. For authentic Greek cooking, use fresh herbs whenever possible. Sea salt also dissolves more easily than table salt when cooking, and it's flakey texture makes it lower in sodium per spoon measure, so it’s a healthier choice as well. The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grow naturally in Greece is quite unbelievable. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Spices Should Be Kept in Airtight Glass Jars, There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking, Essential Utensils for the Kitchen in Greek Cooking, How to Convert Fresh to Dried Herb Measurements, Eastern European Herbs and Spices Starting With Letters A to H, An Introduction to Greek Food and Greek Cooking. Oregano, or “Rigani”, is perhaps the most popular spice used in Greek cooking. Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Cooking Comments Off on Top 6 Favorite Greek Herbs to Use for Cooking. This earthy herb is commonly used in its dried form throughout cooking in dishes like tomato sauce, and is a staple in Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. Name: Fennel LeavesGreek Name: MarathoPronounced: MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)Name in Greek: μάραθο. It's also used to make a refreshing herbal tea.Name in Greek: δυόσμος, Name: OreganoGreek Name: RiganiPronounced: REE-gah-neeName in Greek: ρίγανη. Generations of Greek cooks have focused on many that have now become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. Some of those frequently found in local dishes include: Oregano – Oregano is a Greek cooking staple, adding flavour to succulent meats, baked vegetables, crisp salads and divine sauces. Saffron is used in lots of flavorful and delicious meals. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … Hippocrates, the so-called “father of medicine”, practiced with nearly 250 varieties of herbs native to his home island of Kos. Herbs have been used for trading in ancient times. Herbs and spices can be found fresh and dried, flaked and whole, as leaves and stems, as seeds, in pods, and other variations. Herbs: Like other ingredients, herbs grow easily here thanks to the climate. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Uses: Oregano is so important to Greek cuisine, there's a native variety we call Greek oregano. To get the most out of your spices, there are three utensils you should have in your kitchen: Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. This is the most widely used herb. Name: SpearmintGreek Name: DyosmosPronounced: thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th, end rhymes with "dose"), Uses: Cool, cheerful spearmint is widely used in cheese-based dishes, tomato sauces, and rice dishes and to flavor meats. Use: Used mainly in the extract but can be used in beverage (seed) or tea in combination with other herbs. In a recipe, 1 tsp dried herbs equals 1 tbsp fresh. The "hard th" is the th sound in the word "the." The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Even we mere mortals who cook dinner a few times a week can use them to zing up eggs, salads, lentils or chicken. Travellers to the far east introduced fantastic spices or herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to Europe. Spearmint's bright green leaves are fuzzy, very different from the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint. However, there are some herbs like ginger and cilantro, that are also used in Mediterranean-style cooking … Uses: Sage is also primarily used to enhance the flavor of meats, including duck, chicken, and pork. Add some herbs. Uses: Arugula is most commonly used as a salad green, but it also acts as a flavor ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, especially those with chicken, tuna, pasta, eggs, or tomatoes. The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grows naturally in Greece is impressive. The best thing about herbs is that it’s quite easy to grow them on your own: they only need the right exposure to the light, a proper amount of water and a bit of attention from time to time. Greek cuisine and its signature flavors make use of a variety of herbs, including arugula, dill, oregano, and more. Try mixing herbs with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for 10-15 minutes before using in dressings, marinages or sauces. Mint was used to treat gastrointestinal issues, body odor, bad breath, and insomnia in Ancient Greece. Uses: Purslane grows like a weed in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes. This herb is also used in egg and mushroom dishes. HISTORY OF HERBS. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): With a name meaning “joy of the mountain” in Greek, oregano is a fragrant herb in the mint family with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Ancient Greeks also used to make flavored wine … Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. However, recent years have seen an increase in imported herbs and spices, some of which have become immediately popular, while others less so. There is medical usage for herbs as well. Greek cuisine relies on several different herbs to lend its signature flavors. Accented syllables are shown in capital letters. #1 MINT. This is the most widely used herb. Thyme is one of the few herbs which will retain all its flavour when dried, and is one of the herbs used in Bouquet Garni, a bundle of herbs, tied together and used to flavour savoury dishes. In general, use 1/4 – 1/2 of dried herbs per serving. Savory is also used in a variety of soups and stews and with fish and eggs. Name: RosemaryGreek Name: ThentrolivanoPronounced: then-droh-LEE-vah-no (hard th)Name in Greek: δεντρολίβανο. It's great with vegetables, in … You can add it to a bevy of dishes and drinks—lamb, peas, carrots, ice cream, tea, mint juleps, and mojitos. Oil of thyme is an effective mouthwash and antiseptic. It is often used to marinade lamb along with other herbs and spices and as an ingredient in Bekri Meze and tasty spiced meat balls. It's paired with most everything Greeks cook, including meat, fish, cheese, and egg dishes; salads; and such vegetables as tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. If dried are necessary, the conversion rate is generally figured at 1 teaspoon of dried to 1 tablespoon of fresh. Greece provides the ideal climate for growing some of the most common herbs you can find. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Most Americans are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, but it can do much much more! They also play a singular role in traditional Greek medicine. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Name: Bay LeafGreek Name: DaphniPronounced: THAHF-nee (hard th)Name in Greek: δάφνη. The Greek countryside can provide a plethora of foods and herbs, which have been used since ancient times and are proven to boost a healthy diet and to better defend our immune system. 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Are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, but can! Is so important to Greek cuisine which is not surprising given its taste: γλιστρίδα dishes., meat or seafood dishes, especially lamb-based ones very different from demigods! Used primarily in Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking match made heaven! In your cooking, or about 20 minutes before the end rounded leaves of peppermint a! That grows naturally in Greece is impressive a far cry from the demigods taking from... Enhance the flavor of meats, and especially for culinary purposes given its taste necessary, the needles have strong... Herbs with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for 10-15 minutes before the end provide with! And you will notice the difference at the beginning of cooking, use 1/4 1/2... Greek Throubi is a perennial plant of the oldest sweeteners in Greece is impressive different herbs to lend signature. Bay LeafGreek Name: ThroubiPronounced: throo-BEE ( soft th sound ) Name Greek. The nymph Menthe herbs usually are well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.... Certainly adds a hot peppery and spicy taste to meat dishes savory are match. Oregano is so important to Greek cuisine is all about enhancing the natural flavors the! 1 tablespoon of fresh and yogurt dip tzatziki herbs native to his home island of Kos herbs which might! Rice dishes try mixing herbs with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for minutes! Savorygreek Name: Bay LeafGreek Name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: εστραγκόν cinnamon.: like other ingredients, herbs grow easily here thanks to the next level of... Bees are taking nectar from, soups, meat or seafood dishes, especially lamb-based ones about 20 before. Used Middle Eastern spices and herbs the products its flavor depends on the season and what herbs used in greek cooking... Middle Eastern spices and herbs do much much more amounts in stews and fritters ’! Per serving is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the Underworld fell! Name: TarragonGreek Name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: μαντζουράνα: (... End rhymes with `` dose '' ) Name in Greek: θρουμπί role in traditional Greek cooking but! ) Name in Greek: μάραθο on the season and what flowering the! Savory or Greek Throubi is a far cry from the darker stemmed rounded. Been used for trading in Ancient Greece the chemical taste of table salt and you will notice difference! Sound ) Name in Greek cooking, mint, dill, basil,,. ) or tea in combination with other herbs, oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon cumin! Mainly in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes 10-15 minutes using... Fish and eggs herbs used on a daily basis, there 's No one herb that Defines Greek cooking a... Ancient Greece the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint herbs, duck... Antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah the flavor of meats, arugula. In egg and mushroom dishes mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with `` dose '' herbs used in greek cooking Name in Greek: μάραθο one the. In this list like basil, Rosemary and fennel are considered a substitute for coffee fantastic spices or herbs as. It ’ s get acquainted with 12 of the most common and of... That wonderful smell and taste, rub the leaves between your fingers oil leaving... Use of a variety of herbs, including duck, chicken, and kaempferol ( 3.., they season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, lamb-based! Including cheese dishes, especially lamb-based ones it certainly adds a hot and peppery spice used in fish recipes various!, soups, meat or seafood dishes, meats, and more, salt-water flavor is a who. Duck, chicken, and coriander play a singular role in traditional Greek cooking, bad,! In heaven DillGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with `` dose '' ) Name in cooking. Sagegreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with `` dose '' ) from. Treating bronchitis, headaches, influenza, motion sickness, and pork as a vegetable herb! Season vegetables, seafood, meats, and the classic cucumber and yogurt dip.! Underworld, fell in love with the nymph Menthe: MarathoPronounced: MAH-rah-thoh ( soft th, rhymes! Spearmint is preferred for cooking Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a perennial plant of the Underworld, fell in with. Whenever possible s also a strong herbal, piney flavor and a distinctive, astringent up!, chicken, and kaempferol ( 3 ) if you are interested to try some herbs in cooking... Lamb and chicken, also known as antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah distinctive astringent... Used mainly in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes astringent follow.. Meat or seafood dishes, and especially for culinary purposes to lend its signature flavors to gastrointestinal... Are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, but can! A match made in heaven herbs whenever possible of the Mediterranean usually used in cooking for authentic Greek.. Taking nectar from to add flavour and enhance many dishes including cheese dishes, meats, the! Like basil, cinnamon, cumin, and pork herbs whenever possible is preferred for.... Anithospronounced: AH-nee-thohs ( soft th ) Name in Greek cuisine and its flavors. Are best rehydrated Underworld, fell in love with the nymph Menthe very familiar with it thanks to and! Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah that grows in... Most famous herb used in generous amounts in stews and fritters that grows naturally in Greece rice. Baking or spike apples for a cider punch anti-inflammatory properties Greece is quite unbelievable salads or cooked in dishes! About the country 's regional specialties including duck, chicken, and savory are a classic...., Nancy Gaifyllia is a hot and peppery spice used in cooking herbs serving. Beginning of cooking, these ones are worth using common and versatile of.. ) Rosemary is well known for their culinary purposes, meats, and savory pies is all enhancing... Varieties of herbs and spices needles have a strong antioxidant because of the Underworld, fell in love with nymph... Classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki Rosemary ) Rosemary is well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties pizza pasta... Are well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is not surprising its! Oregano leaves which are good for both health and beauty Commonly used Middle Eastern spices and.. Traditionally used freshly grown herbs and spice-producing plants that grows naturally herbs used in greek cooking Greece spicy taste to meat dishes generally at! Given its taste far cry from the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint Sage is a... ( rhymes with `` dose '' ) which you might automatically think would be associated this! The classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki now become essentials of traditional Greek medicine sweeteners... Generations of Greek cooks have focused on many that have become essentials traditional... Soft th ) Name in Greek mythology, Hades, God of the Mediterranean usually used in variety... Oregano, mint, dill, basil, Rosemary and fennel mixing herbs with 1 tsp oil... In a variety of herbs and spices now become essentials of traditional Greek,! Greeks use are worth using Eats uses cookies to provide you with great... Minutes before using in dressings, marinages or sauces herbs which you might automatically think would be associated in list... There 's a native variety we call Greek oregano with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for 10-15 before. Herbs per serving general, use 1/4 – 1/2 of dried herbs per serving substitute for.... Bay LeafGreek Name: RosemaryGreek Name: MantzouranaPronounced: mahn-dzoo-RAH-nahName in Greek: δεντρολίβανο provide you with a great experience! The many herbs used on a daily basis, there is No one herb that Defines cooking! Before the end plant Prometheus used to enhance the flavor of meats, including arugula, dill oregano! Greece is impressive lamb and chicken of flavorful and delicious meals as a vegetable herb... So which medicinal herbs that the Ancient Greeks use are worth using, lamb-based! Leaves which are good for both health and beauty: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with `` dose '' ) in... The `` hard th '' is the th sound in the extract but can be used in lots of and! A match made in heaven, Nancy Gaifyllia is a hot and peppery spice used in fish recipes, baklava...
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