Winter is approaching and it’s time to spice things up! Here are 4 amazing herbs to add to holiday recipes and family favorites for some added health and immunity. Whether at home or at the Organic Juice Barn, we love to jazz things up when it comes to food and drinks, and there’s no better time than winter to add some healthy flair.
If you enjoy using fresh or dried herbs in your recipes, you can usually get them year-round. During the winter, the following herbs are easy to find even in the cold season and really go perfectly with all your holiday recipes.
Rosemary
One herb used often in winter recipes is rosemary. This is because it is ideal to use with various superfoods and other dishes often prepared in the cold, winter months. Plus you can grow it year-round. So, regardless of the climate you live in, you can find rosemary that is fresh even in the dead of winter. Rosemary is wonderful when used fresh for hearty lunch and dinner dishes like soups and stews, and also pairs really well with nearly all vegetables.
Rosemary has lots of health benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory and is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing free radicals (harmful particles that cause illness and aging). Rosemary can also ease stress and help perk you up, so it’s one of our favorites for the cold months!
Mint
If you drink our Lou’s Your Mind cold-pressed juice then you know we love fresh, organic mint! It’s such a wonderful herb to use during the winter, and you can find it just about all winter long, whether you grow it yourself at home or get it fresh at the store. Mint goes great in salads, root veggies, noodle dishes, dips and dressings, fritters, rice, smoothies, smoothie bowls, fresh pressed juice, teas, and so many desserts. And don’t forget those fun holiday drinks. Who doesn’t want an extra breath freshener at holiday parties?!
Mint can also help relieve headaches, may help lessen cold symptoms, indigestion, and can also help brain function.
Thyme
Thyme is similar to mint, both in how strong of an herb it is, and how quickly it can grow both indoors and outdoors. Thyme is wonderful when you are making hearty or creamy dishes, and adding sage will complement it well. Thyme is also a good compliment to lemon tones in your dishes, which happens to be a popular winter superfood. Thyme contains a variety of minerals and vitamins that promote good health. It’s full of vitamin C for immune support, potassium for healthy cells, and manganese for bone development.
Basil
Basil is easy to find and very versatile. There really is so much you can do with it, from making your own pesto at home to adding it to various Italian dishes. It also goes great in Asian-inspired dishes and traditional American comfort food favorites, so it is wonderful to have during the winter. Fresh basil is so aromatic and delicious, but don’t shy away from dried if that is all you can find. Toss it on pizza, wraps, and salads for a dash of fiber, Vitamin K, and calcium. Basil has antibacterial properties and is also a powerhouse of antioxidants so it scavenges up those free radicals that cause illness and aging. Eat it up!
Or, you can drink it up, too! Check out our yummy smoothie recipe below with basil to help fight inflammation and help you get your skin glow on.
We hope you enjoy spicing things up this winter with these delicious herbs.
Try out this yummy smoothie recipe with basil for glowing skin. And also see this amazing Adrenal Recovery Green Smoothie recipe, too!
For even more ways to spice it up with herbs and spices, enjoy these amazing juice recipes for an immune boost and loads of vitamins and nutrients to carry you through your day!
Cheers to your health,
