Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall, perennial herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It’s thought to be come from southern Europe, the sunny mountain slopes of the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia. For centuries it was used therapeutically, primarily for digestive relief, and later became a prominent culinary herb that’s especially well known in European kitchens….
Tag: smootsflavorfarm
Recipe: Fines Herbes Vinaigrette
A delicate combination of spring herbs that are esteemed in French cuisine. Here we combine fresh chervil, tarragon, parsley and chives into a delightful vinaigrette. Taste the sweetness of the honey balanced by the anise flavor of the chervil and tarragon and finished with a little heat from the garlic and mustard. Delicious accompaniment to…
Recipe: Ricotta Spread with Fines Herbes Blend
This classic French herb blend lends itself to spring vegetables, spread over crostini, or cooked into omelets. Just don’t expose this to too much heat; the delicate flavors will dissipate quickly! Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (equal parts chervil, tarragon, chives and parsley) 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and…
Recipe: Easy Farro Salad with Parsley-Tahini Dressing
This simple side dish is so versatile. I love serving it alongside fish, in particular. But it’s a delicious side dish for any season of the year. Serve it alongside meats, vegetarian dishes, at potlucks and more. I’ve found my (new-to-me) Instant Pot cooks the farro to perfection–chewy but cooked through. If you don’t have…
All About: Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a cold season herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It prefers moist conditions and cooler temperatures to produce its light, feathery leaves. But come summer it will shoot up firework umbels of bright yellow flowers and produce lots of seeds–or more accurately, dried fruits called schizocarps. It’s thought to be native…
All About: Chives
One might call chives a timid cousin of the Alium clan (garlic, leeks, shallots) because of their milder onion or garlic flavor. But chives are a versatile, reliable herb that accompany just about any savory dish. There are two types of chives that we grow on Smoot’s Flavor Farm, garden chives (Alium schoenprasum) and garlic…
All About: Chervil
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a tender spring herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae). An excellent source of vitamins and minerals, chervil has remained a steadfast culinary herb throughout history–especially in Europe. It’s delicate flavor grasps at parsley and sweet anise to yield a light, warming taste fit for any number of savory dishes. CHERVIL IN…
All About: Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most versatile and easiest herbs to cook with. It’s thought to have originated in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, but has naturalized all over the world–vulgaris is Latin for “widespread.” There are about 350 species within the genus Thymus that are native to Europe, North Africa and Asia….
All About: Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae). While it’s native to Southern Europe, it has naturalized elsewhere around the globe and can be found growing wild in places like Northern Europe, North America and Australia. In some places it’s even considered a noxious weed. FENNEL IN HISTORY Fennel’s long history…
Recipe: Ratatouille with Basil, Parsley and Fennel
Ratatouille is a perfect late summer dish, when eggplant, tomato and zucchini are coming in heavy. Fun to prepare, beautiful to serve and simply delicious. In this recipe we include fennel frond for an added anise kick. INGREDIENTS 2-4 eggplants 2-4 zucchini and/or summer squash 6 tomatoes 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, plus 1…