Growing herbs in the kitchen is a great idea as the fresh aroma of the herbs will greet you every time you enter your kitchen. Not only will your kitchen smell amazing, your food will also have a wonderful aroma when you use freshly plucked herbs from your kitchen garden. Most people think you need a lot of space for a kitchen garden. But that’s not true. Even in a small apartment with a tiny kitchen, you can grow your own herbs. You can have your kitchen herbs growing in a container, a coffee cup, a glass jar, a bucket, any of these. So, here are 9 herbs that you can grow in your garden and are easy to maintain.
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1. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly, but once harvested, it does not regrow. So, extend your harvest by growing three pots at different stages. Growing cilantro adds a fresh aroma to your kitchen and health benefits to your food. It is an excellent source of potassium and can be used in curries, salads, and as a garnish.
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2. Parsley
Parsley grows well in a container. If you plant parsley indoors, keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot near a window and plant it in moist, well-turned soil. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb, parsley is great for digestion and detoxification. It also ties the flavours of a meal together. You can add parsley in pesto, salads, and curries. Ensure not to overcook it though. Parsley loses its gorgeous flavours if overcooked.
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3. Basil
Basil grows well in warm environments that receive a good amount of sunlight. While watering your basil plant, make sure you are pouring the water at the base and not over the leaves. In many Indian medicines, basil has been used to treat several ailments, from earaches and itching, to malaria and arthritis. Dried or fresh, basil is great for cooking or to create an invigorating atmosphere anywhere in your home.
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4. Lemon balm
Lemon balm can grow well in shade and sunlight, and the leaves are best harvested in summer. One of the many benefits of lemon balm tea is mental clarity and alertness. It has anti-viral properties and can be used to heal cold sores. When ingested, lemon balm relieves gas, cramping, and an upset stomach.
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5. Curry leaves
A sacred ingredient in the Indian kitchen, curry leaves add flavour to every dish. You can easily source a healthy sapling from your neighbourhood nursery and add curry leaves to your kitchen garden. These leaves are known for their distinct flavour and health benefits, especially for your heart. Curry leaves also help fight infections and can revive your hair and skin.
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6. Mint
Mint is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, but it must be grown in a container as it takes up a lot of space. It adds a refreshing and cool aroma to your kitchen and comes in many types like spearmint, peppermint, and more. Mint is known for its soothing properties, and it aids digestion, boosts immunity, and contains a fair amount of nutrients. You can use it while making tea or cocktails, depending upon the mood and occasion.
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7. Bay leaves
Another popular ingredient in Indian kitchens, bay leaves are easy to grow. The plant does not take much space, and the leaves smell divine. Full of vitamins, bay leaves help in boosting immunity, treating migraines, and improving digestion. Their main use, however, is in tempering and flavouring Indian dishes.
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8. Thyme
Thyme is a part of the mint family, and it grows well in a warm and dry atmosphere. It is a wonderful ingredient used across many cuisines as it adds a nice earthy flavour. Thyme also has many medicinal properties, and the aroma helps in bettering moods.
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9. Sage
Sage is packed with nutrients, and its flavour enhances when exposed to a good amount of sunlight. It has an earthy tone and adds a lot of flavours even when used in small amounts. Sage also has many health benefits including balancing blood sugar levels and improving memory.
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Enjoy doing some indoor gardening! If you’re looking for more things to do at home, check out this helpful guide.
