When it comes to cooking, fresh herbs are unbeatable. They add wonderful flavors and enhance the taste of dishes like salads, dressings, pesto, and more. However, the downside to using fresh herbs is the preparation process, which involves washing, stripping, and chopping. But fret not! There’s an underrated tool that can make this process a breeze – the herb stripper.
What is an Herb Stripper?
An herb stripper is a tool designed to remove leaves from the stems of herbs. It comes with different-sized holes to fit various herbs. Simply place the stem on one side of the smallest hole it fits into, and pull it through to remove all the leaves. Some herb strippers even have blades, allowing you to strip and chop herbs with the same utensil. Plus, there are models with bowls attached to catch the leaves as they go through the holes. [1]
Source: Amazon
This tool can be a game changer for people who love cooking with fresh herbs. It makes the preparation process so quick and easy that you may find yourself using herbs more often than before. It might even inspire you to experiment with new herbs you’ve never tried before. Exciting, isn’t it?
Tips for Using Fresh Herbs
To start, when you buy a bunch of fresh herbs, make sure to wash and dry them promptly to remove any bugs or dirt. Then, wrap them with paper towels and store them in sealable bags to maintain freshness. But remember, fresh herbs are at their best within a few days, so try to use them sooner rather than later and enjoy their unique flavors to the fullest. [2]
You can find herb strippers at your local kitchen supply store or popular retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. They are affordable and worth the investment in making your herb prepping a breeze. Psst! Can you guess this mystery kitchen tool?
Types of Fresh Herbs and How to Use Them
Here are some popular fresh herbs and the best ways to use them in your cooking:
Basil – Known for its sweet and slightly peppery flavor, basil is a favorite in Mediterranean recipes. It’s fantastic in fish, poultry, and homemade pasta sauces. Add the leaves towards the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor.
Rosemary – This herb has an amazing woody and pine-like flavor. It pairs perfectly with lamb chops, chicken, roast beef, and roasted potatoes. Try it on flatbread, sweet potato fries, and even in cake.
Cilantro – A staple in Asian and Latin American cuisines, cilantro has a vibrant and zesty flavor. Some love it, while others claim it tastes like soap. It’s delicious raw or cooked, adding a refreshing touch to your dishes without overpowering them.
Dill – Commonly found in German and Scandinavian cooking, dill has a delicate, fresh, and earthy flavor. It complements poultry, yogurt, seafood, salad, soup, and even quiche.
Marjoram – A milder version of oregano, marjoram pairs excellently with vegetables and meats. It can enhance the flavors of salads, soups, sauces, fish, and more. Save the stems to infuse flavor into stocks and soups.
Thyme – This herb is widely used in French cuisine for its floral aroma and strong taste that doesn’t overpower other flavors. It’s perfect in roast chicken, bread, potatoes, and cocktails. A herb stripper is especially handy for preparing thyme.
Mint – While we often associate mint with teas and desserts, it can also be enjoyed in savory dishes like salads, chicken, curry, and sandwiches. It adds a refreshing twist to fruit salads as well.
Parsley – Versatile and fresh, parsley is a popular herb that works well in various recipes. Use both the leaves and stems to season soups, salads, pasta, butter, eggs, and lemon-infused dishes.
Oregano – With its strong flavor, oregano is a must-have herb for dishes like chili, pasta, and pizza sauces. Unlike some herbs, it can withstand heat, so add it at the beginning of the cooking process. Keep the stems for enhancing stocks and soups.
Using these herbs will elevate your culinary creations to new heights!
