National Herbs and Spices Day – June 10th
Join us in celebrating National Herbs and Spices Day! To add some spice to this celebration, we’ve sourced some amazing cocktail recipes for your use, each centered around one of the herbs and spices we have available to us on the Cape! Make it a refreshing mocktail by omitting the alcohol in each recipe!
Our moderate climate and fertile soil in Cape Cod creates an excellent environment for growing a variety of herbs and spices during the summer months. From culinary favorites to medicinal treasures, our peninsula offers an abundance of aromatic plants that thrive in the warm sunshine and sea breezes! Here are some popular herbs and spices that you can cultivate and savor on the Cape this summer.
1. Basil: Basil is a versatile herb widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. With its vibrant green leaves and distinct aroma, it adds a refreshing and fragrant touch to dishes. Growing basil on Cape Cod is a delight, as it loves the warmth of the summer sun. From classic Genovese basil to varieties like Thai basil or lemon basil, you can enjoy a diverse range of flavors and culinary possibilities.
2. Rosemary: Rosemary is a woody herb with needle-like leaves and a strong, pine-like fragrance. It thrives in Cape Cod’s sunny and well-drained soil. Known for its robust flavor, rosemary is a wonderful addition to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and savory bread recipes. It also offers medicinal properties and is often used in natural remedies.
3. Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing herb with small, aromatic leaves that pack a flavorful punch. It is well-suited for Cape Cod’s summer climate, as it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Thyme is a staple in many cuisines, adding depth and complexity to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and marinades.
4. Oregano: Oregano is a staple herb in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, known for its warm and earthy flavor. Cape Cod’s summer season provides the ideal conditions for oregano to thrive. With its tiny leaves and delicate purple flowers, it adds a zesty kick to pasta sauces, pizzas, and roasted meats.
5. Dill: Dill is an aromatic herb with feathery foliage and a distinctive flavor reminiscent of anise and parsley. It grows well in Cape Cod’s summer climate and adds a burst of freshness to salads, fish dishes, and pickled vegetables. The leaves, seeds, and even the flowers of dill are used in various culinary applications.
6. Cilantro: Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It thrives in Cape Cod’s summer warmth, producing lush leaves with a distinctive citrusy flavor. Cilantro is an essential ingredient in salsas, curries, and fresh salads, providing a burst of freshness to dishes.
7. Mint: Mint is a refreshing herb with a cool and invigorating flavor. It grows vigorously in Cape Cod’s summer season, so it’s best to contain it in pots or designated areas to prevent it from spreading. Mint leaves are perfect for flavoring beverages like mojitos, iced teas, or lemonades. It also adds a delightful touch to fruit salads, yogurt, and savory dishes.
7. Cilantro: Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It thrives in Cape Cod’s summer warmth, producing lush leaves with a distinctive citrusy flavor. Cilantro is an essential ingredient in salsas, curries, and fresh salads, providing a burst of freshness to dishes.
8. Chives: Chives are a member of the onion family and feature long, slender leaves with a mild onion flavor. These hardy herbs grow well on Cape Cod and can be harvested throughout the summer. Chives are excellent for garnishing dishes, adding a subtle onion taste to salads, soups, and omelets.
In addition to their culinary uses, these herbs and spices offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and many have medicinal properties that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost overall well-being. Enjoy your herbs and spices with a little kick this summer, or omit the alcohol altogether to create a nice and refreshing mocktail.