Herbs have been part of the culinary culture for centuries. They are used for flavour, fragrance, and as a garnish. They are used in small quantities like spices and also pack in a lot of health benefits. Some of the common herbs that you may know are sage, rosemary, chives, basil, cilantro, chervil, dill, lavender, parsley, mint, and many more.
Herbs can be the leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, roots or fruit of such plants and can be used fresh or dried. You can also blend a few of these herbs to create a herb mix that adds a unique flavour and aroma to your dish. When looking for mixed herbs, there are the things you need to keep in mind to get the best quality and longer shelf life.
Don’t Go For Cheap Ones
Cheap herb mixes are cheap for a reason. The producers do not adhere to health and cleanliness regulations. So, you may end up getting a herb mix that contains foreign matter such as mould, rat hairs, and so on. It is best to find good quality sources online that sell genuine stuff.
Buy Whole Herbs and Make Your Own Blend
Instead of buying pre-mixed herbs, we suggest that you buy whole herbs and create your blend. This way, you will be assured that there is nothing else in it. Also, making your herb mix will allow you to adjust ingredients according to your taste. This way, you can create a unique taste that is only yours.
Several online stores supply the best quality whole herbs that you can use to make your signature herb mix. This will leave your guests asking for more.
Find Local Gardeners Who Specialise In Herbs
If you look hard enough, you are bound to find gardeners who specialize in herbs. You will be able to buy herb plants and dry them to use in your herb mix. Many online herb stores give you dried herbs as well as fresh herb plants. They are delivered to you quickly and you can be assured about using organic herbs.
Find Family Run Businesses Who Have Been In the Trade for Decades
Find a business that is a few decades old and has been passed down within the family. These businesses usually offer good quality products as they are focused on maintaining reputation and tradition. Most of the will also sell online directly or through a third-party vendor, so you can order the best quality mixed herbs from the comfort of your home.
Look For Quality Certifications
When looking for mixed herbs that are pre-packaged, you should ensure that the manufacturer meets the quality standards as set forth by the three Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). This ensures that there is minimum/no preservative and contamination when the mixed herbs are produced, processed, and packaged.
These rules control the processes right from the time the herbs are grown to the time they are dried, processed, and packaged. They guide the kind of materials to be used, the pesticides, the sanitization of the production facilities, the safety of workers, etc. basically these standards ensure that the mixed herbs you receive are safe and without contamination.
Buy In Small Quantities
Make sure that when you order your next batch of mixed herbs, it is a small quantity. Mixed herbs usually have a shelf life of about a year, but, with exposure to the elements, they may lose some of the flavour and taste. Buying in small quantities means that you use only the freshest of herbs that have their flavour and aroma intact.
Does It Come With a Storage Container?
When ordering mixed herbs, a check of a storage container is included. Mixed herbs need to be stored in air-tight containers that are made of glass. You can go for the plastic one too, but make sure that once closed, the seal does not allow air to pass through. This will keep the fragrance of the herbs within the jar, and when you open it; your kitchen will be filled with its aroma.
Check the Combination of Herbs Used
Although mentioned last, this is an important point to consider when ordering mixed herbs. Each brand has its own combination of herbs they use in their mixed herbs. You may want to try a few to decide which you prefer. If you have a definite blend that you have been using, then you need to check if the ingredients match. Most mixed herbs contain three or more herbs. They could be sage, marjoram, thyme, basil, and rosemary.
Adding mixed herbs to your food is the best way to make the dish more flavourful and aromatic. With these tips on buying mixed herbs, you can never go wrong. So, make your next dinner more memorable with the best quality mixed herbs.