Seasonal Herbs in Canada: Availability and Uses
Availability of seasonal herbs in Canada varies throughout the year. Let’s explore the different herbs you can find in each season and how to use them.
Key Takeaways:
- Fresh herbs are available year-round in Canada, with each season offering unique varieties.
- Growing herbs indoors can provide fresh flavors even in winter.
- Dried herbs can be used when fresh ones are not available.
- Experiment with different herbs to enhance your cooking throughout the year.
Spring Herbs
Spring brings new life to gardens across Canada. Here are some common spring herbs:
- Chives
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Sorrel
- Lovage
- Chervil
- Garlic chives
- Wild garlic
- Dandelion greens
Table 1: Spring Herbs and Their Uses
Herb Flavor Profile Common Uses Chives Mild onion Garnish, salads, egg dishes Parsley Fresh, peppery Garnish, sauces, salads Cilantro Citrusy Mexican and Asian cuisine Dill Tangy Pickles, fish dishes, dips Mint Cool, refreshing Teas, cocktails, desserts Lemon balm Lemony, minty Teas, desserts, salads Sorrel Tangy, sour Soups, salads, sauces Lovage Celery-like Soups, stews, salads Chervil Mild parsley Garnish, egg dishes, soups Garlic chives Garlicky Asian dishes, garnish, stir-fries Wild garlic Mild garlic Pesto, soups, salads Dandelion greens Bitter, earthy Salads, sautéed greens, teas Spring herbs add a burst of flavor to your meals. Try adding chopped chives to your scrambled eggs or sprinkling fresh parsley on roasted vegetables.
Summer Herbs
Summer is when herb gardens are in full bloom. Here are popular summer herbs:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Marjoram
- Fennel
- Summer savory
- Borage
- Nasturtium
- Lemon verbena
- Stevia
- Chamomile
Table 2: Summer Herbs and Their Uses
Herb Flavor Profile Common Uses Basil Sweet, peppery Pesto, Italian dishes, salads Oregano Earthy, bitter Pizza, pasta sauces, marinades Thyme Minty, earthy Roasted meats, soups, stews Rosemary Pine-like Roasted potatoes, grilled meats Sage Earthy, peppery Poultry dishes, stuffing Tarragon Licorice-like French cuisine, chicken dishes Marjoram Mild oregano Soups, meat dishes, stuffing Fennel Anise-like Salads, fish dishes, tea Summer savory Peppery, spicy Bean dishes, meat rubs, sausages Borage Cucumber-like Salads, garnish, cocktails Nasturtium Peppery Salads, garnish, edible flowers Lemon verbena Strong lemon Teas, desserts, cocktails Stevia Very sweet Natural sweetener, teas Chamomile Apple-like Teas, desserts, skin care Summer is the perfect time to make fresh pesto with basil or add oregano to your homemade pizza sauce.
Fall Herbs
As the weather cools, some herbs continue to thrive. Fall herbs include:
- Tarragon
- Marjoram
- Fennel
- Lovage
- Chervil
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Mint
Table 3: Fall Herbs and Their Uses
Herb Flavor Profile Common Uses Tarragon Licorice-like French cuisine, chicken dishes Marjoram Mild oregano Soups, meat dishes, stuffing Fennel Anise-like Salads, fish dishes, tea Lovage Celery-like Soups, stews, salads Chervil Mild parsley Garnish, egg dishes, soups Sage Earthy, peppery Poultry dishes, stuffing Thyme Minty, earthy Roasted meats, soups, stews Rosemary Pine-like Roasted potatoes, grilled meats Parsley Fresh, peppery Garnish, sauces, salads Cilantro Citrusy Mexican and Asian cuisine Dill Tangy Pickles, fish dishes, dips Mint Cool, refreshing Teas, cocktails, desserts Fall herbs pair well with hearty dishes. Try adding tarragon to your chicken salad or using marjoram in your Thanksgiving stuffing.
Winter Herbs
Even in winter, you can find fresh herbs. Some cold-hardy herbs include:
- Bay leaves
- Winter savory
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Parsley
- Chives
- Oregano
- Mint
- Basil (indoor)
- Cilantro (indoor)
- Lemon balm (indoor)
Table 4: Winter Herbs and Their Uses
Herb Flavor Profile Common Uses Bay leaves Floral, tea-like Soups, stews, rice dishes Winter savory Peppery, minty Bean dishes, meat rubs Rosemary Pine-like Roasted meats, bread Thyme Minty, earthy Roasted vegetables, soups Sage Earthy, peppery Poultry dishes, stuffing Parsley Fresh, peppery Garnish, sauces, salads Chives Mild onion Garnish, salads, egg dishes Oregano Earthy, bitter Pizza, pasta sauces, marinades Mint Cool, refreshing Teas, cocktails, desserts Basil (indoor) Sweet, peppery Pesto, Italian dishes, salads Cilantro (indoor) Citrusy Mexican and Asian cuisine Lemon balm (indoor) Lemony, minty Teas, desserts, salads Winter herbs add warmth to your dishes. Use bay leaves in your slow-cooker meals or add winter savory to your bean soups.
Tips for Using Seasonal Herbs:
- Harvest herbs in the morning for the best flavor.
- Store fresh herbs in the refrigerator, wrapped in slightly damp paper towels.
- Freeze herbs in ice cube trays with water or oil for long-term storage.
- Dry herbs by hanging them in bunches in a warm, dry place.
- Use herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Enjoying Herbs Year-Round:
- Start an indoor herb garden on a sunny windowsill.
- Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal herbs.
- Try growing microgreens for a quick herb fix.
- Preserve summer herbs by making herb-infused oils or vinegars.
- Experiment with new herbs each season to expand your palate.