A Basic Guide to Herbal Teas

Wether you need a caffeine jolt to kickstart the day. A cup of tea to ease an upset stomach. Or a cuppa to unwind after a long working day. There is a herbal tea to suite every mood and occasions.

Ashwagandha tea	Fenugreek tea	Passionflower tea	Echinacea tea
Assam tea	Ginger tea	Peppermint tea	Rose hip tea
Burdock root tea	Green tea	Red raspberry leaf tea	Yerba mate tea
Chai tea	Hibiscus tea	Rooibos tea	Tumeric tea
Chamomile tea	Jasmine tea	Turkish tea	Genmaicha
Ceylon tea	Kombucha tea	Valerian root tea
Dandelion tea	Lemon balm tea	White tea
Darjeeling tea	Matcha tea
Early grey	Nettle tea
Fennel tea	Oolong tea

Allspice 

This Caribbean herb tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. Making it a perfect addition to any dish you want a little warming spice for both savoury and sweet dishes. Allspice is a dried berry that you can buy as whole berries or ground powder. When it comes to cooking it's a key ingredient in jerk seasoning and other Caribbean dishes. During the Christmas season in the united kingdom and united it's often added to roast meats or in Christmas pudding and fruitcakes. But it's not just a winter spice as greek cuisine will incorporate allspice into their dishes all year.

Food Pairing

When it comes to food pairing, allspice works well in savoury dishes with root vegetables, pumpkin, butternut squash, tomato, roast meats, seafood, especially shellfish, soups, gravies, marinades and sauces. It also great to add into homemade pickles, relishes and preserves.

Due to its versatility it can be used in sweet treats such as cakes, pies, hot chocolates, fruit salad, hot spiced apple juice, cocktails, and cookies.

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment allspice are bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seed, cumin, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, ginger, juniper, nutmeg, mustard seed, paprika, thyme, and turmeric.

Tips 

• Buy allspice as whole dried berries and grind it yourself with an electric spice grinder as the flavour from ground allspice deplete quickly.

• When cooking with allspice it best used early on cooking in the dish to allow the flavour to develop in the dish while tapering down its intensity.

• If add allspice to an uncooked recipe, cook the allspice for 10 minutes in the oven before grinding and add to your dish.

Asafoetida 

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Basil

Basil, sweet basil or genovese basil is a sweet herb with a strong aroma that is found in a classic Italian pesto and many other Italian dishes. While you can buy it both fresh and dried. The dried version lacks the flavour and aroma that makes this herb so delicious and renowned. While a lot of herbs are either viewed as delicate or woody herbs, basil is somewhere in-between, meaning you can cook with nearly the whole herb and it grows for most of the warmer seasons. When it come to adding basil into recipes it best incorporated towards the end of cooking and with minimal cutting to prevent it from bruising.

Food Pairing

Basil and tomato go together like cheese and wine as basil help cut through the acidity of tomatoes but tomatoes aren't the only thing. Basil goes well with  balsamic vinegar, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, courgette, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, peaches, peas, potatoes, red bell peppers, rice, strawberries, sweet corn, and white beans.

Want more food pairing ideas with basil, why not try mozzarella, tomato and basilamic salad or ...

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment basil are chives, cilantro, garlic, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

Tips

• Avoid leaves that are drooping or blackened. Sweet basil doesn't like the cold, so keep in a glass of water on the counter top. Bruises easy too.

• While dried basil isn't recommended in most dishes, it works perfectly in a homemade Italian seasoning for a quick burst of flavour to roast chicken.

• Do try to pair basil with very spicy foods, very sweet desserts, strongly spiced dishes, or anything with mint due to its delicate flavour.

Bay Leaves

Bitter, sour.

Food Pairing

When it comes to food pairing, bay leaves works will with

beans, eggplant, eggs, fish, lentils, meat, poultry, rice, root vegetables, spinach

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment bay leaves are cilantro, cloves, coconut milk, coriander, cumin, curry leaf, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemon grass

Tips 

Store fresh turmeric in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator vegetable crisper for up to 2 weeks; it also freezes well. Dried turmeric can last 2 years in an airtight container.

Black Pepper 

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Caraway

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Food Pairing

Apples, cabbage, poultry, onions, pork, potatoes, sauerkraut, tomatoes

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment caraway are coriander, garlic, parsley, thyme

Tips 

Caraway seeds can be bought ground but are best if bought whole. Grind as needed.

Cardamom

Sweet, bitter

Food Pairing

apples, oranges, pears, legumes, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables, yogurt

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment cardamom are caraway, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and ginger.

Tips 

Seed pods will keep for a year or more in an airtight jar. Grind seeds as needed.

Cayenne Pepper 

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Celery Seeds 

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Cilantro

Sweet, sour

Food Pairing

avocado, bell pepper, coconut milk, corn, cucumber, rice, figs, yogurt, carrots, potatoes, soups, stews, root vegetables

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment cilantro are Basil, chives, dill, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, mint, parsley

Tips 

Cilantro or fresh coriander will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator vegetable crisper. Always use fresh and add to cooking at last minute. Store for 2-3 days in damp paper towel and then in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Wrap in a damp paper towel to keep fresh for longer, same thing for parsley. Don't wash before using. Can use stems the thicker stem is best for stocks.

Cinnamon

Sweet, bitter

Food Pairing

apples, almonds, apricots, bananas, blueberries, chicken, compotes, pears, pancakes, French toast, yogurt, oatmeal, rice

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment cinnamon are cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, and turmeric.

Tips 

Add early in cooking process.

Chilie Flakes 

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Chervil 

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Chives

Savory, spicy

Food Pairing

avocados, egg dishes, fish, potatoes, salmon, root vegetables, zucchini

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment bay leaves are basil, cilantro, fennel, parsley, and tarragon.

Tips 

Chives can be chopped and frozen

Coriander Seeds

Sour

Food Pairing

apples, beef, chicken, citrus fruit, eggs, ham, lentils, onions, plums, pork, potatoes,

Herb & Spice Pairing

Herbs and spices that compliment coriander seeds are cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, ginger, fennel, and nutmeg.

Tips 

Buy whole seeds and grind as needed. Add near the end of cooking process.

Clove

Has a strong numbing effort which has made it a great remindy for tooth ache. Sweet

Food Pairing

apples, beets, red cabbage, ham, pork, pumpkin, squashes, sweet potato

Herb & Spice Pairing

cinnamon, coriander, curry, fennel, ginger, nutmeg

Tips 

Clove flower buds will keep for a year in an airtight jar. Add early in cooking process

Cumin

Bitter, sweet

Food Pairing

apples, beans, beef, chickpeas, couscous, eggplants, lentils, potatoes, rice, sauerkraut, squash, tomatoes

Herb & Spice Pairing

cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, curry leaves, fennel seeds, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, thyme, turmeric

Tips 

Seeds will keep in an airtight jar for several months and ground cumin has a short shelf life. Add early in the cooking process.

Dill

Sour, sweet

Food Pairing

fresh: asparagus, avocados, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, fish, potatoes, rice, salmon, tomatoes, yogurt, zucchini, cabbage, onion, pumpkin

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, garlic, parsley cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric

Tips 

Store fresh dill in a plastic bag for 2-3 days.

Fennel Seeds 

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Fenugreek  

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Garlic

Bitter, sweet

Food Pairing

chicken, lamb, meats, tomatoes, vegetables, zucchini

Herb & Spice Pairing

most herbs and spices

Tips 

Choose unblemished, firm heads without signs of mold or sprouting.

Ginger

Sour

Food Pairing

apples, chicken, fish, passion fruit, pears, pineapple, mango

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, cilantro, coconut, garlic, lime, lemon grass, mint, scallions, turmeric

Tips 

Fresh ginger should be hard, plump and heavy. They keep well in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

Jambú 

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Juniper Berries 

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Food Pairing

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Herb & Spice Pairing

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Lavender

Sweet, sour, spicy aroma

Food Pairing

apples, berries, cherries, lamb, meat, orange, peaches, plums, potatoes, walnuts

Herb & Spice Pairing

oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme,

Tips 

Fresh flowers can be chopped and added to dough before baking. Infuse flowers in cream or milk. Chop flowers and fold into rice or use with meat. Dried flowers will keep for a year.

Lavender sold in gardening stores is often not the edible variety. If you do want to grow your own edible lavender it's best to buy online from a reputable source as either seeds or small plants.

Lemongrass

Sour

Food Pairing

chicken, coconut, coconut milk, fish, pork, soups, stew

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, turmeric

Tips 

The stalk should be firm and not wrinkled or dry. Fresh lemon grass will keep for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator if wrapped in plastic. Add near the end of cooking process.

Marjoram

Marjoram is the milder sweeter

Food Pairing

beef, chicken, asparagus, potato,

Herb & Spice Pairing

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Mace

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Food Pairing

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Herb & Spice Pairing

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Makrut Leaves 

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Mint

Sweet, tangy

Food Pairing

asparagus, beans, baby carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, yogurt

Herb & Spice Pairing

combines well with basil, clove, cumin, dill, ginger, oregano, parsley, thyme

Tips 

Bunches of fresh mint will keep for 2 days in a glass of water in the kitchen.

Mustard

Sweet

Food Pairing

beef, cabbage, chicken, curries, dals, fish

Herb & Spice Pairing

bay, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, parsley, tarragon, turmeric

Tips 

No tips at the moment

Nigella Seeds

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Nutmeg

Sweet, bitter

Too much nutmeg can cause an hallucinogenic trip with intense flu like symptoms for over 48 hours.

Food Pairing

cabbage, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, lamb, onion, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato

Herb & Spice Pairing

cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, thyme

Tips 

Nutmeg is best bought whole and ground as needed.

Oregano

Bitter, savory

Food Pairing

anchovies, artichokes, beans, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, chicken, eggplant, eggs, fish, lamb, meat, pizza, pork potatoes, sweet peppers, squash, tomatoes, zucchini

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, cumin, garlic, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme

Tips 

Rub the leaves off the stem and store them in an airtight container.

Parsley

Sweet, tangy

Food Pairing

eggs, fish, lemon, lentils, rice, tomatoes, most vegetables

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, chives, garlic, mint, oregano, rosemary, tarragon

Tips 

Use fresh and keep in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Parsley can be chopped and frozen in small containers or in ice cube trays with a little water. Don’t buy dried parsley.

Paprika

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Rosemary

Savory

Food Pairing

apricots, beans, bell peppers, cabbage, chicken, eggs, eggplant, fish, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, soups, stews, tomatoes, winter squash

Herb & Spice Pairing

bay, chives, garlic, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme

Tips 

Fresh rosemary can be kept for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Add early in cooking process.

Saffron

Marjoram is the milder sweeter

Food Pairing

carrots, fennel bulbs, onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, ginger, turmeric, potatoes, parsnips, asparagus, artichokes, oranges, lemons, beans, eggplant, nuts, chicken, fish, shellfish, rice, pasta, cream, butter, and cheeses

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, fennel seed, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, cumin, curry powder, vanilla, amchoor powder, cardamom, tarragon, chai spices, and chervil.

Tips 

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Sage

Sweet, bitter, sour, savory

Food Pairing

asparagus, beans, cherries, chicken, fatty meats, oily fish, goose, liver, pasta, potatoes, soups, stews, stuffing, tomatoes

Herb & Spice Pairing

bay, caraway, ginger, paprika, parsley, thyme

Tips 

Fresh sage leaves are best picked and used as soon as possible. If you buy them, wrap them in paper towel and keep in the salad crisper of the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Chop up sage and add to a pan of melted butter fry for a couple minutes then toss through salad for a quick and easy dish. Or add a few tbsp of olive oil to a pan lay sage into the oil and then lay chicken breast on top. The sage will crisp and attach itself to the chicken creating a delicious sage infused chicken breast (Stolen from chef video)

Sesame Seeds 

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Food Pairing

Breads, biscuits, salads

Herb & Spice Pairing

Allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, paprika, sumac, thyme

Tips 

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Sichuan Pepper 

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Food Pairing

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Herb & Spice Pairing

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Star Anise 

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Food Pairing

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Herb & Spice Pairing

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Sumac 

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Food Pairing

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Tarragon

Sweet

Food Pairing

artichokes, asparagus, eggs, fish, potatoes, poultry, tomatoes, zucchini

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, chives, dill, parsley

Tips 

Fresh tarragon can keep for 4-5 days in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator.

Thyme

Savory

Food Pairing

beans, cabbage, carrots, chicken, corn, eggplant, fish, lamb, meats, onions, potatoes, soups, stews, tomatoes, winter vegetables

Herb & Spice Pairing

basil, garlic, lavender, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, rosemary

Tips 

Fresh leaves will keep for up to a week stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use at the beginning of the cooking process.

Turmeric

Bitter, sour.

Food Pairing

beans, eggplant, eggs, fish, lentils, meat, poultry, rice, root vegetables, spinach

Herb & Spice Pairing

cilantro, cloves, coconut milk, coriander, cumin, curry leaf, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemon grass

Tips 

Store fresh turmeric in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator vegetable crisper for up to 2 weeks; it also freezes well. Dried turmeric can last 2 years in an airtight container.

Vanilla

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Food Pairing

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Tips 

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