Fresh herbs are more than just tasty additions to food and drink. These varied, often pint-sized wonders also pack a health punch that ranges from helpful antioxidant properties to digestive support, according to several dietitians. “Many people associate antioxidant-rich foods with foods like blueberries, dark leafy greens and even chocolate,” says Tawnie Graham, registered dietitian nutritionist and president of Kroll’s Korner LLC. “But fresh herbs are also great sources of antioxidants and, of course, add flair and flavor to food. Basil, parsley and oregano, for instance, are antioxidant-containing herbs so you can pack in nutrition while garnishing and cooking with fresh herbs.” Ashley Hawk, registered dietitian and wellness expert, routinely talks up the benefits of herbs. “When making meal recommendations, I love to encourage my clients to ditch the excess salt and savor the health benefits that herbs bring to your plate,” says Hawk, who with Graham is co-author of California Bountiful’s “Good for You” column. “You can sprinkle in some antioxidant-rich oregano, add in the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric or the digestion-soothing magic of mint. From heart- healthy rosemary to brain-boosting sage, each herb is a tiny treasure trove of goodness.” The list of health benefits is a long one and includes the antioxidant properties of herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil. Antioxidants help protect cells from damaging “free radicals” and are associated with reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. “Adding fresh basil to a salad and rosemary on top of your sheet pan chicken and vegetable dish is an easy and effective way to boost flavor and get that extra serving of antioxidants,” Hawk says. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation while others help ease digestive discomfort, benefit heart health, support the immune system or potentially assist with regulating blood sugar levels. Finally, herbs can be flavor bombs that support weight management. “Adding herbs to your meals can enhance the flavor of dishes without the need for excessive salt, sugar or unhealthy fats,” Hawk says. “This can be helpful for those looking to manage their weight by reducing calorie intake.” Herbs help support a healthy lifestyle
Brittney Bubb, left, and her mother, Suzette Overgaag, use their company’s fresh herbs to prepare blackened fish tacos with a creamy cilantro sauce.
That includes chopping and combining them with butter or adding herbs to vinegars, oils, cocktails or water. “There’s just so many different ways that you can use them,” she says. “We are trying to come up with some better ways of communicating that.” Another bonus is that many herbs offer health benefits. For example, some herbs are loaded with antioxidants, help with digestion and are flavorful alternatives to extra salt, fat or sugar. Basil is king For the company, the most popular herb by far is basil followed by mint, rosemary, thyme, dill and chives. Those are the top sellers, but North Shore also produces herbs such as sorrel, tarragon, lemon basil and marjoram. “We try to innovate all the time,” Suzette says. One new innovation is a product line called Counter Culture, a gift- worthy trio of different herbs packaged in a waterproof container. Customers can display the collection on the windowsill or counter, use what they need and even replace a spent plant with a new one. The three varieties of herbs are generally timed to the season, Suzette says, and also reflect the company’s mindset. “I really wanted this new product to be sustainable,” she says. “It will actually last a long time, but you can throw it away and it is recyclable. That’s really important to me. ... You want to be as good a steward as you can be in providing a product.”
Cyndee Fontana-Ott cbmagazine@californiabountiful.com
10
January/February 2024
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