Which herbs would you choose?!

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme is an old song and these are some of the most popular herbs used in cooking. However, parsley is not the easiest to grow. It is an annual and most recipes call for so much parley that you would need a lot space to grow it. I really prefer the following herbs.

Basil because it can used in salads and many asian and mediterranean dishes. It is also one of the easiest herbs to grow, although I usually purchase small plants since I have no outdoor space.Basil is an annual so you must start or buy new plants when the old ones die.

Rosemary goes especially well with lamb, chicken and many proteins. Rosemary is a perennial if planted below Zone 7 (NYC) and in a sheltered location. It is difficult to start from seed, so purchase a small plant.

Oregano, another great herb that is used in many Mediterranean cuisines including greek and italian. If you get lucky and live in a temperate climate, it can continue to grow for a few years or more.

Sage, also an easy grower and in the right climate would be a perennial. It is great in chicken and in soups and stews.

Another favorite herb of mine is Tarragon because it is difficult to find in most markets and has such a distinctive flavor. Pairs well with chicken and fish.

One more favorite is Bay leaves. A Bay tree is a perennial in mild climates, but can be kept planted in a planter and moved indoors in winter in colder climates Just sink the planter into the garden come Spring. I had a small Bay tree that lasted almost 7 years. Unfortunately, it does need those 7 or 8 months outdoors. Bay leaves are an ingredient used in many slow cooked recipes.

Sorry , I know you asked for 4, in which case I'd stick with Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and Basil. All are fairly prolific, even if grown on a window sill, though rosemary can be finicky.

experience and the herb garden I so miss.

Lavender is nice to make sachet's but it's a bush.
Bay leaf for soups and stews.
Basil for Casseroles, eggs, fish, sauces, salads
Rosemary for chicken and soups.
Thyme for Soups, stuffings, meats
Chives for Soups, salads, eggs, cheese
Dill for Flavoring pickles, salads, omelets, herb blends
Marjoram for Soups, meat stuffings, eggs, vegetables
Mint for Jellies, teas, fragrance
Oregano for Spanish, Mexican & Italian cooking; stuffings
Parsley for Garnish soups, salads, casseroles, vegetables, etc. Blends well with other herbs & is used as a flavor base.
Sage for Cheese, sausages, meats, fish, salads, drinks, casseroles

Those are the most commonly used herbs...

Soups, stuffings, meats

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Sweet Basil, Thyme and Oregano. All of these herbs are very easy to grow and are very versatile both used fresh as a garnish to salads, soups & vegetable dishes and cooked into many types of dishes. I chose the flat leaf over the curly parsley because it has bigger flavor. All four are used frequently in Italian dishes. Thyme and Oregano can also impart great flavor to Greek style dishes, in fact I use Thyme in almost everything.

I hope this information helps. I'm sure your friend will enjoy your thoughtful gift no matter which herbs you choose. I live in Minnesota and you are making me anxious for spring so I can start my herb garden again! We just got over a foot of snow!!! lol

Parsley, chives, basil and oregano if I can only have four! They add flavor to so many different things - meats, veggies, salads, breads and pastas.

Rosemary
Thyme
Sweet Basil (aka Italian Basil)
Chives

dependss if you want them for cooking
Rosemary Basil Thyme Parsley .....but put in some french perfumed lavender and some mint as well

Basile
rose amry
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