If you’re like most people, you probably don’t grow your herbs and spices. And if you do, it’s probably only a few of them. Maybe basil, thyme, and oregano if you’re feeling adventurous. But what about the rest? Sure, you could go to the store and buy them, but is that the best option? While it may take a little bit of effort to get started, growing your herbs and spices has a ton of benefits that make it well worth the effort. It goes beyond just being able to have fresh spices at your disposal. So if you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should start growing your herbs and spices, here are a few reasons that might just.
They Have More Health Benefits
Herbs and spices not only taste good, but they’re also good for you. Many of them have powerful health benefits. For example, ginger is proven effective in treating nausea and upset stomachs while garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. And turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve pain. Moreover, bioavailable curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric, is so effective that it’s been used as an integrative therapeutic supplement for serious health conditions. And by growing your herbs and spices, you can be sure they’re fresh and potent.
Also, if you decide to use organic growing methods, you can be sure your herbs and spices are completely free of harmful chemicals, making them even healthier.
You Know Exactly What You’re Getting
When you grow your herbs and spices, you know exactly what goes into them. There are no mysterious ingredients or hidden chemicals. Just good, old-fashioned plants. This is especially important if you have any food allergies or sensitivities. But even if you don’t, it’s always nice to know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
Also, when you grow your herbs and spices, you have complete control over how they’re grown. This means you can choose to use organic methods, which is important to many people. Or, if you have a particular way you like your herbs and spices to taste, you can adjust your growing methods to achieve that.
They Taste Better
Since you have complete control over how your herbs and spices are grown, you can also make sure they’re grown in the ideal conditions to produce the best possible flavor. This includes things like using the right soil and getting the right amount of sun and water. When herbs and spices are grown in subpar conditions, it affects their flavor. So if you’ve ever been disappointed by the taste of store-bought herbs and spices, it’s probably because they weren’t grown in ideal conditions.
For instance, if you want your basil to have a more intense flavor, you can grow it in a pot so the roots are confined. This will stress the plant and cause it to produce more oils, which are responsible for the herb’s flavor. Likewise, if you want your cilantro to have a milder flavor, you can give it more space to grow. This will prevent the plant from getting stressed and producing as many oils.
They are Always Fresh
Even if you don’t want to go to the trouble of adjusting your growing methods, herbs and spices grown at home will still taste better than their store-bought counterparts. This is because they’re fresher. When you buy herbs and spices from the store, they’ve likely been sitting on a shelf for who knows how long. They might even be past their prime. But when you grow your own, you can harvest them at the perfect time for maximum flavor.
Depending on the herb or spice, this can be just a few days or weeks after they’re picked. For example, basil is best used within a few days of being harvested. But if you store it in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. On the other hand, oregano and thyme can last several weeks when stored properly.
They’re More Affordable in the Long Run
While it might cost a bit more upfront to get started growing your herbs and spices, it’s more affordable in the long run. This is because once you have the supplies you need, you can continue to grow them for years with little to no additional cost. And, as we just mentioned, homegrown herbs and spices also last longer. So you’re getting more bang for your buck, so to speak.
You may even consider selling your surplus herbs and spices. If you grow more than you can use, you can sell them at farmers’ markets or online. This is a great way to make a little extra money while doing something you love.
As you can see, there are many good reasons to start growing your herbs and spices. From better taste to improved health, there are more than enough reasons to convince you to give it a try. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how satisfying it is to use herbs and spices you grew yourself in your next meal. Who knows, you might even find a new hobby in the process!
