Popular Herb Garden Plants: Kitchen Wonders, Cultural Icons
- Image by -Chad Johnson via Flickr
Herb garden plants have different purposes. These have been around perhaps since civilization began. The earliest known record of herbs being used for medicine was in 2200 BC as utilized by the Sumerian herbal concoctions. Since then, more than five hundred species of herbs are currently used around the world.
It has also become a well-accepted idea to arrange herb gardens. Some have various plots all over the backyard. Some just have herbs indoors. The reasons may vary per herb garden and here are some of the top herb plants existing in most small home gardens and even large-scale herb farms.
Basil – Ocimum basilicum
This is a generally annual, minimally perennial herb that is mostly grown indoors planted in pots. This herb is mostly associated with culinary purposes, especially in pesto dishes due to its strong taste and sweet smell. It has many varieties: annuals – Thai, lemon, holy; and perennials – African Blue and Holy Thai.
This herb has been linked with much folklore. It has symbolized different meanings for different cultures. While it is a love symbol for Italy, it signifies extreme dislike in Greece. It also has spiritual importance for several religions. Hindus have the Holy Basil or Tulsi, and as it is very much revered, most Hindu families have this herb at home. A few orthodox churches like the Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian and Romanian use this as a preparation ingredient for holy water.
Mint – genus: Mentha
This perennial herb has more than twenty species and more than ten hybrids. Its most common species are spearmint, water mint and penny-royal. Its hybrids include peppermint and ginger mint. Due to its fresh and cool-in-the-mouth taste, this is commonly used in many chewing gums, toothpastes, other breath-freshening product and several drinks, from teas to alcoholic mixes.
Its name origin tells of a rather bitter end. When Queen Persephone learned that her husband Hades was lusting for the nymph Menthe, the Queen turned her into a small plant. Meanwhile, some Middle East cultures believe that this can be used to intensify manhood.
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
This is another perennial herb, popularly used in most chicken dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. It has also given way to more than nineteen cultivators, like albus, blue boy and golden rain.
This has also been associated with so many legends. Due to its strong smell, people in ancient times have labeled it as the symbol for remembrance. It was also used as love charm in Middle Ages weddings. Some believe that by putting a sprig under one’ pillow could drive the bad dream away. And in the 16th century, women have displayed rosemary sprigs to symbolize their control of their home gardens and households. However, this seemed degrading to their husbands who then uprooted the rosemary plants so their wives could no longer boast.
Parsley – Petroselinum crispum
This biennial herb has two types – curly leaf and Italian or flat leaf. The former is usually for topping off pasta dishes. The other is mainly used as seasoning for soups or meat dishes.
There are two main beliefs with regard to this herb. The first one is that it could prevent drunkenness, as the ancient Romans wore bunches of parsley necklaces.
Indeed, these herb garden plants have become a part of gastronomic experiences and indigenous beliefs as well.
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