Indoor herb garden sprouts healthy options for seasoning
“The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association both recommend watching your sodium intake to keep your blood pressure low, and herb gardens are a fun way to do that,” says Rita Chrivia, clinical nutritionist at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.
First, plant your herbs in a pot, then place the pot in a window with plenty of sunlight — preferably on the south or west side of your house.
Choose which herbs you will plant based on the type of food you eat. For example, if your family enjoys Italian food, you’ll want to grow oregano, basil and rosemary. If you’re still not sure, start with these five basics: oregano, chives, rosemary, thyme and mint.
Once you’ve planted the seeds, wait until they put out new growth, and then make sure to cut back no more than one-third of the total new growth at a time. When you’re ready to cook:
- Clean and cut herbs just before adding them to your favorite recipes.
- After washing, gently crush the herbs in your hands to release oils. (Remember to wash your hands before working with any kind of food.)
- Add herbs toward the end of cooking, so the flavors do not “cook out.”
- Start by adding the same amount as you would usually add using dried herbs, then increase gradually to suit your taste.
“If you’re having trouble
cutting salt from your diet, cut
back gradually,” Chrivia says. “Start by
cutting your salt intake by at least one-half,
and go from there. Remember, always taste
your food before salting it to see if you
really need the extra seasoning.”
