This herb is also used in egg and mushroom dishes. Savory is also used in a variety of soups and stews and with fish and eggs. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/guide-to-fresh-herbs The Grecian know well about the health benefits of oregano leaves which are good for both health and beauty. Greek honey is used in many dessert recipes, like baklava. Cumin is a hot and peppery spice used in Greek cooking to spice up meat dishes. In general, use 1/4 – 1/2 of dried herbs per serving. This earthy herb is commonly used in its dried form throughout cooking in dishes like tomato sauce, and is a staple in Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), … Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander . Name: SavoryGreek Name: ThroubiPronounced: throo-BEE (soft th)Name in Greek: θρουμπί. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … It's also used to make a refreshing herbal tea.Name in Greek: δυόσμος, Name: OreganoGreek Name: RiganiPronounced: REE-gah-neeName in Greek: ρίγανη. ", also known as antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. Ancient Greeks also used to make flavored wine … #1 MINT. Uses: As in many other cuisines, bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and broths and then discarded before serving. You can add it to a bevy of dishes and drinks—lamb, peas, carrots, ice cream, tea, mint juleps, and mojitos. Herbs and spices can be found fresh and dried, flaked and whole, as leaves and stems, as seeds, in pods, and other variations. Name: TarragonGreek name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: εστραγκόν. Uses: Mild but bright parsley is used as a garnish, just like in so many U.S. restaurants, and also in soups and salads. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Spices Should Be Kept in Airtight Glass Jars, There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking, Essential Utensils for the Kitchen in Greek Cooking, How to Convert Fresh to Dried Herb Measurements, Eastern European Herbs and Spices Starting With Letters A to H, An Introduction to Greek Food and Greek Cooking. Name: SageGreek Name: FaskomiloPronounced: fahs-KOH-mee-loName in Greek: φασκόμηλο. Greek cuisine and its signature flavors make use of a variety of herbs, including arugula, dill, oregano, and more. Steeped fresh mint is also a favourite herbal tea. The "hard th" is the th sound in the word "the." Herbs: Like other ingredients, herbs grow easily here thanks to the climate. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), pronunciation guide, and the Greek name. It's paired with most everything Greeks cook, including meat, fish, cheese, and egg dishes; salads; and such vegetables as tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. There is medical usage for herbs as well. There is a rich tradition of using herbs for tea, medicine, and especially for culinary purposes. Add some herbs. Generations of Greek cooks have focused in on many that have become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. Mint was used to treat gastrointestinal issues, body odor, bad breath, and insomnia in Ancient Greece. Greek cuisine is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the products. HISTORY OF HERBS. It is also used as an emollient and diaphoretic, anti-colic and dysentery, poisoning (especially mushrooms) against hemoptysis and as an antidepressant. Cumin seeds and ground cumin have an earthy flavour that adds richness to Mexican, bean, and shellfish recipes.. Dill, either freshly chopped or dried dill weed, gives a fresh flavour to beets, carrots, cucumbers, pickled vegetables, potatoes, and seafood. Uses: Beans and savory are a classic combination. Used fresh or dried, the needles have a strong herbal, piney flavor and a distinctive, astringent follow up. Generations of Greek cooks have focused on many that have now become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. Because of the many herbs used on a daily basis, there is no one herb that defines Greek cooking. Sea salt also dissolves more easily than table salt when cooking, and it's flakey texture makes it lower in sodium per spoon measure, so it’s a healthier choice as well. Dendrolivano (Rosemary) Rosemary is well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in a large majority of all Greek dishes suchas tomato sauces, soups, salads, bean dishes, and to flavor meat. It’s also a strong antioxidant because of the crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol ( 3 ). Mint is one of the most famous herb used in cooking. There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking . In Greek cooking you could use both oregano oil and oregano dried herb. Name: SpearmintGreek Name: DyosmosPronounced: thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th, end rhymes with "dose"), Uses: Cool, cheerful spearmint is widely used in cheese-based dishes, tomato sauces, and rice dishes and to flavor meats. The "soft th" is the th sound in the word "thanks. This is the most widely used herb. Dill. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grows naturally in Greece is impressive. 2. Uses: Tarragon and chicken are a match made in heaven. This reflected in the famous quote of Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), physician and the father of medicine: “Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food”. Name: DillGreek Name: AnithosPronounced: AH-nee-thohs (soft th, end rhymes with "dose"). Herbs have been used for trading in ancient times. More Info It certainly adds a hot peppery and spicy taste to meat dishes. The roasted seeds are considered a substitute for coffee. Since its first use in ancient Greece, saffron was known for its libido enhancing abilities, as well as a mood and memory booster ( 2 ). Some of those frequently found in local dishes include: Oregano – Oregano is a Greek cooking staple, adding flavour to succulent meats, baked vegetables, crisp salads and divine sauces. Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Greece provides the ideal climate for growing some of the most common herbs you can find. In a recipe, 1 tsp dried herbs equals 1 tbsp fresh. Most Americans are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, but it can do much much more! Name: ParsleyGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS (rhymes with "dose")Name in Greek: μαϊντανός. Fennel was first known in Greek mythology as the plant Prometheus used to steal fire from the demigods. Like much Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food has traditionally used freshly grown herbs and spices. Accented syllables are shown in capital letters. There are many herbs which you might automatically think would be associated in this list like basil, rosemary and fennel. Oil of thyme is an effective mouthwash and antiseptic. Thyme is one of the few herbs which will retain all its flavour when dried, and is one of the herbs used in Bouquet Garni, a bundle of herbs, tied together and used to flavour savoury dishes. Name: PurslaneGreek Name: GlistrithaPronounced: ghlee-STREE-thath (hard th)Name in Greek: γλιστρίδα. To release flavour, dried herbs are best rehydrated. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. They also play a singular role in traditional Greek medicine. In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavoured with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. Cloves are used to stud hams before baking or spike apples for a cider punch. If dried are necessary, the conversion rate is generally figured at 1 teaspoon of dried to 1 tablespoon of fresh. Use: Used mainly in the extract but can be used in beverage (seed) or tea in combination with other herbs. Used extensively in Mediterranean cuisines, dried rosemary complements fish, grilled meats, lamb, pork, poultry, stews, and vegetables and is used in dry rubs, herbes de Provence, marinades, and salad dressings. Try mixing herbs with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for 10-15 minutes before using in dressings, marinages or sauces. As a tea, it … Even we mere mortals who cook dinner a few times a week can use them to zing up eggs, salads, lentils or chicken. The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grow naturally in Greece is quite unbelievable. Herbs and spices lend flavor, color and important micronutrients – all without adding fat or calories – to home cooking. But there is more to this herb than simply giving your meals a … Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. Today, it is additionally used for treating bronchitis, headaches, influenza, motion sickness, and muscle pain. Uses: Sage is also primarily used to enhance the flavor of meats, including duck, chicken, and pork. Uses: Arugula is most commonly used as a salad green, but it also acts as a flavor ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, especially those with chicken, tuna, pasta, eggs, or tomatoes. So which medicinal herbs that the Ancient Greeks use are worth using today? Spearmint's bright green leaves are fuzzy, very different from the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint. Name: ArugulaGreek Name: RokaPronounced: ROE-kahName in Greek: ρόκα. In Greek mythology, Hades, God of the Underworld, fell in love with the nymph Menthe. Such is the case with many Mediterranean fresh herbs and spices. Herbs are a vital part of what makes the Mediterranean Diet so flavorful but also so healthy, despite sometimes being overlooked as mere seasonings. Name: Bay LeafGreek Name: DaphniPronounced: THAHF-nee (hard th)Name in Greek: δάφνη. And the culinary advantages of Mediterranean herbs and spices, in particular, are extolled by pretty much any chef worth her tall white hat. Greek honey: Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners in Greece. Though there are many varieties, spearmint is preferred for cooking. Many herbs and spices (wild) are usually collected from high altitude mountains and used for teas and infusions and the majority are used in everyday cooking and baking. In Greece, the variety of Oregano that is used is called Origanum vulgare, and has a slightly different flavor than the oregano that is found elsewhere. To release all that wonderful smell and taste, rub the leaves between your fingers. Uses: Rosemary shines in meat dishes, especially lamb-based ones. It's used primarily in Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking. They also season vegetables, seafood, meats, and savory pies. It's great with vegetables, in … Use ground cloves for spice cakes or puddings. The variety of herbs and spices in the Greek countryside gave the Ancient Greeks the ingredients to flavor their food, as well as the possibility to cure people. For authentic Greek cooking, use fresh herbs whenever possible. Its flavor depends on the season and what flowering plants the bees are taking nectar from. Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Cooking Comments Off on Top 6 Favorite Greek Herbs to Use for Cooking. To get the most out of your spices, there are three utensils you should have in your kitchen: Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. Uses: Purslane grows like a weed in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes. Add either at the beginning of cooking, or about 20 minutes before the end. So let’s get acquainted with 12 of the most common and versatile of them. Uses: Dill is used in fish recipes, various types of salads, and the classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki. Summer Savory or Greek Throubi is a perennial plant of the Mediterranean usually used in cooking. Name: RosemaryGreek Name: ThentrolivanoPronounced: then-droh-LEE-vah-no (hard th)Name in Greek: δεντρολίβανο. Herbs have been used since ancient time. This is the most widely used herb. In Greek cooking, mint is used to add flavour and enhance many dishes including cheese dishes, meats, and rice dishes. However, there are some herbs like ginger and cilantro, that are also used in Mediterranean-style cooking … If the herb is available in dried leaves, this is always a good choice instead of ground dried herbs because more of the taste and aroma are retained in the leaf pieces. Travellers to the far east introduced fantastic spices or herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to Europe. It is often used to marinade lamb along with other herbs and spices and as an ingredient in Bekri Meze and tasty spiced meat balls. The best thing about herbs is that it’s quite easy to grow them on your own: they only need the right exposure to the light, a proper amount of water and a bit of attention from time to time. This herb is common in Greek cuisine which is not surprising given its taste. Fennel . The Greek countryside can provide a plethora of foods and herbs, which have been used since ancient times and are proven to boost a healthy diet and to better defend our immune system. From arugula to wild celery, they season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, and more. Greek cuisine relies on several different herbs to lend its signature flavors. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Sea salt is the only salt used in traditional Greek cooking. Common herbs usually are well known for their culinary purposes. Name: Fennel LeavesGreek Name: MarathoPronounced: MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)Name in Greek: μάραθο. Its natural, salt-water flavor is a far cry from the chemical taste of table salt and you will notice the difference. The 10 Most Popular Spices in Turkish Cuisine, Top Commonly Used Middle Eastern Spices and Herbs. If you are interested to try some herbs in your cooking, these ones are worth using. In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavored with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. Oregano, or “Rigani”, is perhaps the most popular spice used in Greek cooking. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Name: ThymeGreek Name: ThymariPronounced: thee-MAH-ree (soft th), Uses: Thyme is a constant companion to other herbs, especially oregano, in meat dishes, soups, and stews.Name in Greek: θυμάρι, Name: Wild CeleryGreek Name: SelinoPronounced: SEH-lee-nohName in Greek: σέλινο. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Uses: Oregano's sweeter cousin, marjoram is primarily used to give flavor to lamb and chicken. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): With a name meaning “joy of the mountain” in Greek, oregano is a fragrant herb in the mint family with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. However, recent years have seen an increase in imported herbs and spices, some of which have become immediately popular, while others less so. Uses: Oregano is so important to Greek cuisine, there's a native variety we call Greek oregano. 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Fuzzy, very different from the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint, chicken and...: ArugulaGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with `` herbs used in greek cooking '' ) Name Greek! With nearly 250 varieties of herbs native to his home island of Kos your cooking skills to next! No one herb that Defines Greek cooking notice the difference and its signature flavors make use of variety... Fennel LeavesGreek Name: DillGreek Name: SavoryGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( rhymes with dose... Much Mediterranean cuisine, there 's No one herb that Defines Greek cooking, mint,,...