BASIL
How to grow:
- Grow in full sun: Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Use well-draining soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality.
- Keep soil moist: Water regularly, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize often: Use a balanced fertilizer or liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back tips for bushier growth.
- Harvest regularly for more growth.
- Watch out for pests like aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
How to use:
- Add a pop of flavor with basil chutney: Blend basil, mint, green chilies, ginger, and lemon juice for a delicious side dish with Indian favorites like idli, dosa, and vada.
- Pesto with an Indian twist: Make a flavorful pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Use it as a topping for pasta or spread for sandwiches.
- Basil seed lemonade: Beat the heat with a refreshing drink made by mixing basil seed, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Garnish with fresh flavor: Use basil as a garnish for curries, rice dishes and dal, or add to soups and stews for added flavor.
The Benefits of Basil:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Basil contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Rich in antioxidants: Basil is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Aids in digestion: Basil contains compounds that can help promote healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing constipation.
- May improve blood sugar control: Some studies have found that basil may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
- May boost the immune system: Research suggests that basil may help boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
- May help reduce stress: Basil contains compounds that have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.
CHIVES
How to grow:
- Chives prefer full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Chives prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil quality.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your chives regularly and keep an eye on the soil moisture.
- Chives are light feeders and do not require regular fertilization. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer.
- Chives can be harvested as soon as the plants are big enough to handle. Regular harvesting will encourage bushier growth.
- Be mindful of pests such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. If you see any pests, treat them immediately.
- Chives can be propagated by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall.
- Chives can also be grown in pots, making it easy to move them indoors during cold winter months.
How to use Chives:
- Sprinkle fresh chives on top of your dal or curry dishes for a burst of flavor and color.
- Add chopped chives to your omelet or scrambled eggs for a subtle onion flavor.
- Mix chopped chives into your yogurt or sour cream for a delicious and easy dip or spread.
- Use chives as a garnish for soups and stews for added flavor and color.
- Make a chive butter by mixing softened butter with chopped chives, perfect for spreading on bread or using as a topping for vegetables.
- Add chives to your Pulao or biryani for a unique and delicious twist on traditional dishes.
- Use chives to make a flavorful chutney by blending it with mint leaves, ginger, and lemon juice.
The Benefits of Chives:
- Add delicious and subtle onion flavor to dishes without the strong aftertaste of onions.
- Rich in vitamins K and C, chives support healthy bones and boost immunity
- Contains antioxidants to help protect against cancer and heart disease
- Contains flavonoids and carotenoids that act as anti-inflammatory agents
- May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity
- Can help improve digestion and reduce bloating
- Contains compounds that may have antimicrobial properties, helping to keep harmful bacteria at bay
OREGANO
How to grow:
- Choose a sunny spot: Oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant in well-draining soil: Oregano requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Keep soil consistently moist: Oregano likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize regularly: Oregano is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization.
- Pinch back the tips: Pinching back the tips of Oregano plants will encourage bushier growth and prevent the plants from getting too tall and spindly.
- Harvest regularly: Oregano leaves can be harvested as soon as the plants are big enough to handle.
- Be mindful of pests: Keep an eye out for common Oregano pests like aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
- Oregano is drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers as well.
- Oregano is a perennial herb, which comes back year after year
- Oregano can be planted from seeds or from established plants.
How to use:
- Add dried oregano to your rubs and seasoning blends for an extra depth of flavor to your dishes.
- Sprinkle dried oregano on top of your pizzas or pasta dishes for a burst of flavor.
- Add a pinch of oregano to your dal or sambar for a unique twist on traditional Indian flavors.
- Add chopped fresh oregano to your chutneys and raitas to elevate the taste.
- Mix oregano with yogurt and use it as a dip for your snacks or appetizers.
- Use oregano in your biryanis and pulaos for a Mediterranean twist on Indian rice dishes.
- Mix dried oregano with crushed garlic, salt and pepper to make a flavorful seasoning for your roasted potatoes.
- Add oregano to your soups, stews and gravies for added flavor and aroma
Benefits of Oregano:
- Oregano packs a flavorful punch with its strong, earthy taste
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, oregano can help boost immunity and reduce risk of chronic diseases
- Contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, iron, and manganese
- Oregano oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for fighting off infections
- Can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, such as marinades for meat and fish, or added to curries and dals for extra flavor.
- Oregano can also be used in chutneys, raitas and garnish for added flavor and aroma.
- Oregano tea is popular for its soothing properties and can be made by steeping dried oregano leaves in hot water.
LAVENDER
How to grow:
- Choose a sunny spot: Lavender prefers full sun, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Well-draining soil: Lavender requires well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. You can add lime or wood ash to the soil to increase the pH level.
- Low water requirement: Lavender is drought-tolerant and requires very little water once it’s established.
- Fertilize lightly: Lavender does not require heavy fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
- Prune regularly: Prune your lavender regularly to encourage bushier growth and to prevent it from getting too tall and leggy.
- Avoid over-watering: Over-watering can lead to root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Choose appropriate variety: Different varieties of Lavender have different requirements, so make sure to choose a variety that’s suitable for your climate and soil type.
- Be mindful of pests: Keep an eye out for common lavender pests like spider mites, whiteflies and aphids. If you see any pests, treat them immediately.
How to use:
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your Indian desserts like Kheer or Phirni to enhance the aroma and give it a unique floral flavor
- Mix dried lavender flowers into your homemade garam masala mix to give it a subtle floral taste
- Use fresh or dried lavender to infuse your tea blends like chamomile or mint tea.
- Use lavender oil to marinate meats like chicken or lamb before grilling for a unique and delicious twist to your traditional Indian BBQ
- Add dried lavender to your homemade potpourri for a soothing and relaxing scent in your home
- Incorporate lavender into your homemade skincare routine by adding few drops of lavender oil to your face cream for a relaxing and soothing effect on the skin.
The benefits of Lavender:
- Lavender contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting overall health
- The aroma of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety
- Inhaling lavender oil is said to help with headaches, sleep issues and emotional balance
- The essential oil of lavender is used to relieve pain, improve digestion, and stimulate circulation
- It can be used in cooking to flavor desserts, meat dishes, and marinades
- Dried lavender buds are often used in sachets, potpourri, and other fragrant arrangements
- Lavender oil is widely used in skincare and aromatherapy for its soothing and healing properties
- Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater can help you relax and unwind after a long day.
DILL
How to grow:
- Easy to grow in any garden
- A few tips for a bountiful dill harvest
- Plant in a sunny spot for the best results
- Keep soil consistently moist for strong growth
- Pinch back to promote bushier growth
- Regularly snip for continued growth and flavor
- Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases
How to use:
- Add fresh dill to yogurt-based dips like raita for a refreshing and flavorful twist
- Use dill to enhance the flavor of lentil or chickpea dishes like dal or chana masala
- Mix finely chopped dill into the dough before making parathas or puris for a unique herb-infused bread
- Add chopped dill to scrambled eggs or omelets for a flavorful breakfast option
- Use dill to make a refreshing mint-dill chutney, perfect for serving with samosas or pakoras
- Add dill to a marinade for grilled meats or fish for a unique and delicious flavor
- Mix dill with curd and use it as a marinade for tandoori chicken or fish for a tangy, herby flavor
- Use dill as a garnish for soups and stews for added flavor and color
The benefits of Dill:
- Rich in antioxidants: Dill is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Aids in digestion: Dill contains compounds that can help promote healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing constipation.
- May improve bone health: Dill is a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- May have anti-cancer properties: Dill contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
- May boost the immune system: Some research suggests that Dill may help boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
- May help reduce stress: Dill contains compounds that have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Rich in Vitamin C: Dill is a good source of Vitamin C which helps in the formation of collagen and strengthens the immune system
- Rich in Vitamin A: Dill is a good source of Vitamin A which helps in maintaining healthy skin, vision and immune system.
