Name: Fennel LeavesGreek Name: MarathoPronounced: MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)Name in Greek: μάραθο. It's paired with most everything Greeks cook, including meat, fish, cheese, and egg dishes; salads; and such vegetables as tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Herbs and spices can be found fresh and dried, flaked and whole, as leaves and stems, as seeds, in pods, and other variations. Savory is also used in a variety of soups and stews and with fish and eggs. Herbs: Like other ingredients, herbs grow easily here thanks to the climate. Ancient Greeks also used to make flavored wine … Oregano (Origanum vulgare): With a name meaning “joy of the mountain” in Greek, oregano is a fragrant herb in the mint family with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. In a recipe, 1 tsp dried herbs equals 1 tbsp fresh. Name: SageGreek Name: FaskomiloPronounced: fahs-KOH-mee-loName in Greek: φασκόμηλο. The Greek countryside can provide a plethora of foods and herbs, which have been used since ancient times and are proven to boost a healthy diet and to better defend our immune system. Uses: Wild celery turns up in Greek cooking as a vegetable or herb in soups and stews. Name: ParsleyGreek Name: MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS (rhymes with "dose")Name in Greek: μαϊντανός. However, recent years have seen an increase in imported herbs and spices, some of which have become immediately popular, while others less so. Greek honey: Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners in Greece. The "soft th" is the th sound in the word "thanks. They also season vegetables, seafood, meats, and savory pies. Name: SpearmintGreek Name: DyosmosPronounced: thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th, end rhymes with "dose"), Uses: Cool, cheerful spearmint is widely used in cheese-based dishes, tomato sauces, and rice dishes and to flavor meats. Name: RosemaryGreek Name: ThentrolivanoPronounced: then-droh-LEE-vah-no (hard th)Name in Greek: δεντρολίβανο. Uses: Beans and savory are a classic combination. If you are interested to try some herbs in your cooking, these ones are worth using. Today, it is additionally used for treating bronchitis, headaches, influenza, motion sickness, and muscle pain. Add either at the beginning of cooking, or about 20 minutes before the end. Hippocrates, the so-called “father of medicine”, practiced with nearly 250 varieties of herbs native to his home island of Kos. Most Americans are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, but it can do much much more! Uses: Rosemary shines in meat dishes, especially lamb-based ones. Generations of Greek cooks have focused in on many that have become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. 2. Because of the many herbs used on a daily basis, there is no one herb that defines Greek cooking. Summer Savory or Greek Throubi is a perennial plant of the Mediterranean usually used in cooking. Uses: Purslane grows like a weed in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes. Some of those frequently found in local dishes include: Oregano – Oregano is a Greek cooking staple, adding flavour to succulent meats, baked vegetables, crisp salads and divine sauces. Name: ArugulaGreek Name: RokaPronounced: ROE-kahName in Greek: ρόκα. More Info From arugula to wild celery, they season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, and more. Sea salt is the only salt used in traditional Greek cooking. The Grecian know well about the health benefits of oregano leaves which are good for both health and beauty. Uses: Dill is used in fish recipes, various types of salads, and the classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki. Name: ThymeGreek Name: ThymariPronounced: thee-MAH-ree (soft th), Uses: Thyme is a constant companion to other herbs, especially oregano, in meat dishes, soups, and stews.Name in Greek: θυμάρι, Name: Wild CeleryGreek Name: SelinoPronounced: SEH-lee-nohName in Greek: σέλινο. So let’s get acquainted with 12 of the most common and versatile of them. There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking . Fennel . In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavored with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. Like much Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food has traditionally used freshly grown herbs and spices. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. This herb is also used in egg and mushroom dishes. Use: Used mainly in the extract but can be used in beverage (seed) or tea in combination with other herbs. Herbs have been used since ancient time. The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), … As a tea, it … https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/guide-to-fresh-herbs Such is the case with many Mediterranean fresh herbs and spices. Name: PurslaneGreek Name: GlistrithaPronounced: ghlee-STREE-thath (hard th)Name in Greek: γλιστρίδα. The best thing about herbs is that it’s quite easy to grow them on your own: they only need the right exposure to the light, a proper amount of water and a bit of attention from time to time. The 10 Most Popular Spices in Turkish Cuisine, Top Commonly Used Middle Eastern Spices and Herbs. Common herbs usually are well known for their culinary purposes. Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Cooking Comments Off on Top 6 Favorite Greek Herbs to Use for Cooking. ", also known as antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah. It's used primarily in Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking. Oil of thyme is an effective mouthwash and antiseptic. Saffron is used in lots of flavorful and delicious meals. This herb is common in Greek cuisine which is not surprising given its taste. Spearmint's bright green leaves are fuzzy, very different from the darker stemmed, rounded leaves of peppermint. To release flavour, dried herbs are best rehydrated. Mint was used to treat gastrointestinal issues, body odor, bad breath, and insomnia in Ancient Greece. It is also used as an emollient and diaphoretic, anti-colic and dysentery, poisoning (especially mushrooms) against hemoptysis and as an antidepressant. Its natural, salt-water flavor is a far cry from the chemical taste of table salt and you will notice the difference. There are many herbs which you might automatically think would be associated in this list like basil, rosemary and fennel. The variety of herbs and spices in the Greek countryside gave the Ancient Greeks the ingredients to flavor their food, as well as the possibility to cure people. You can add it to a bevy of dishes and drinks—lamb, peas, carrots, ice cream, tea, mint juleps, and mojitos. In Greek cooking you could use both oregano oil and oregano dried herb. Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Mint is one of the most famous herb used in cooking. Greek cuisine is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the products. Greek honey is used in many dessert recipes, like baklava. The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grow naturally in Greece is quite unbelievable. So which medicinal herbs that the Ancient Greeks use are worth using today? Name: Bay LeafGreek Name: DaphniPronounced: THAHF-nee (hard th)Name in Greek: δάφνη. Its flavor depends on the season and what flowering plants the bees are taking nectar from. Uses: Tarragon and chicken are a match made in heaven. It’s also a strong antioxidant because of the crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol ( 3 ). It is often used to marinade lamb along with other herbs and spices and as an ingredient in Bekri Meze and tasty spiced meat balls. For authentic Greek cooking, use fresh herbs whenever possible. Greek cuisine relies on several different herbs to lend its signature flavors. Steeped fresh mint is also a favourite herbal tea. Name: MarjoramGreek Name: MantzouranaPronounced: mahn-dzoo-RAH-nahName in Greek: μαντζουράνα. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Spices Should Be Kept in Airtight Glass Jars, There's No One Herb That Defines Greek Cooking, Essential Utensils for the Kitchen in Greek Cooking, How to Convert Fresh to Dried Herb Measurements, Eastern European Herbs and Spices Starting With Letters A to H, An Introduction to Greek Food and Greek Cooking. Generations of Greek cooks have focused on many that have now become essentials of traditional Greek cooking. In general, use 1/4 – 1/2 of dried herbs per serving. Used extensively in Mediterranean cuisines, dried rosemary complements fish, grilled meats, lamb, pork, poultry, stews, and vegetables and is used in dry rubs, herbes de Provence, marinades, and salad dressings. Uses: Arugula is most commonly used as a salad green, but it also acts as a flavor ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, especially those with chicken, tuna, pasta, eggs, or tomatoes. Uses: Sage is also primarily used to enhance the flavor of meats, including duck, chicken, and pork. Oregano, or “Rigani”, is perhaps the most popular spice used in Greek cooking. #1 MINT. In Greece, the variety of Oregano that is used is called Origanum vulgare, and has a slightly different flavor than the oregano that is found elsewhere. The lists include the English name of each herb or spice, the Greek alliteration (Greek word in English letters), pronunciation guide, and the Greek name. This reflected in the famous quote of Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), physician and the father of medicine: “Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food”. The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. They also play a singular role in traditional Greek medicine. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. Dill. Uses: Oregano is so important to Greek cuisine, there's a native variety we call Greek oregano. Thyme is one of the few herbs which will retain all its flavour when dried, and is one of the herbs used in Bouquet Garni, a bundle of herbs, tied together and used to flavour savoury dishes. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. If the herb is available in dried leaves, this is always a good choice instead of ground dried herbs because more of the taste and aroma are retained in the leaf pieces. It certainly adds a hot peppery and spicy taste to meat dishes. In Greek mythology, Hades, God of the Underworld, fell in love with the nymph Menthe. Since its first use in ancient Greece, saffron was known for its libido enhancing abilities, as well as a mood and memory booster ( 2 ). If dried are necessary, the conversion rate is generally figured at 1 teaspoon of dried to 1 tablespoon of fresh. Uses: Mild but bright parsley is used as a garnish, just like in so many U.S. restaurants, and also in soups and salads. Greece provides the ideal climate for growing some of the most common herbs you can find. It's great with vegetables, in … The number of herbs and spice-producing plants that grows naturally in Greece is impressive. This is the most widely used herb. HISTORY OF HERBS. Herbs Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. Some of the most common are oregano, mint, dill, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander . Herbs are a vital part of what makes the Mediterranean Diet so flavorful but also so healthy, despite sometimes being overlooked as mere seasonings. Uses: Oregano's sweeter cousin, marjoram is primarily used to give flavor to lamb and chicken. Cumin seeds and ground cumin have an earthy flavour that adds richness to Mexican, bean, and shellfish recipes.. Dill, either freshly chopped or dried dill weed, gives a fresh flavour to beets, carrots, cucumbers, pickled vegetables, potatoes, and seafood. Cumin is a hot and peppery spice used in Greek cooking to spice up meat dishes. Add some herbs. Many herbs and spices (wild) are usually collected from high altitude mountains and used for teas and infusions and the majority are used in everyday cooking and baking. Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. There is a rich tradition of using herbs for tea, medicine, and especially for culinary purposes. Dendrolivano (Rosemary) Rosemary is well known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … Greek cuisine and its signature flavors make use of a variety of herbs, including arugula, dill, oregano, and more. Herbs and spices lend flavor, color and important micronutrients – all without adding fat or calories – to home cooking. Sea salt also dissolves more easily than table salt when cooking, and it's flakey texture makes it lower in sodium per spoon measure, so it’s a healthier choice as well. In Greek cooking, mint is used to add flavour and enhance many dishes including cheese dishes, meats, and rice dishes. However, there are some herbs like ginger and cilantro, that are also used in Mediterranean-style cooking … Used fresh or dried, the needles have a strong herbal, piney flavor and a distinctive, astringent follow up. This is the most widely used herb. It's also used to make a refreshing herbal tea.Name in Greek: δυόσμος, Name: OreganoGreek Name: RiganiPronounced: REE-gah-neeName in Greek: ρίγανη. Uses: Fennel leaves are used in generous amounts in stews and fritters. Even we mere mortals who cook dinner a few times a week can use them to zing up eggs, salads, lentils or chicken. Name: SavoryGreek Name: ThroubiPronounced: throo-BEE (soft th)Name in Greek: θρουμπί. Cloves are used to stud hams before baking or spike apples for a cider punch. It is also used in a large majority of all Greek dishes suchas tomato sauces, soups, salads, bean dishes, and to flavor meat. To get the most out of your spices, there are three utensils you should have in your kitchen: Because of the many herbs and spices used on a daily basis, there's no one herb or spice that defines Greek cooking, however, there are a list of herbs and spices, both native to Greece and imported that are found most often in recipes for Greek food. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. The "hard th" is the th sound in the word "the." Accented syllables are shown in capital letters. This earthy herb is commonly used in its dried form throughout cooking in dishes like tomato sauce, and is a staple in Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. There is medical usage for herbs as well. Try mixing herbs with 1 tsp of oil and leaving for 10-15 minutes before using in dressings, marinages or sauces. The roasted seeds are considered a substitute for coffee. But there is more to this herb than simply giving your meals a … To release all that wonderful smell and taste, rub the leaves between your fingers. Travellers to the far east introduced fantastic spices or herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to Europe. Uses: As in many other cuisines, bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and broths and then discarded before serving. And the culinary advantages of Mediterranean herbs and spices, in particular, are extolled by pretty much any chef worth her tall white hat. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Fennel was first known in Greek mythology as the plant Prometheus used to steal fire from the demigods. Name: DillGreek Name: AnithosPronounced: AH-nee-thohs (soft th, end rhymes with "dose"). Though there are many varieties, spearmint is preferred for cooking. Name: TarragonGreek name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: εστραγκόν. Herbs have been used for trading in ancient times. In Greek cooking, many dishes, breads, salads, dressings, and sauces are flavoured with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices unique to this country’s combination of tastes. Use ground cloves for spice cakes or puddings. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and … Much much more sickness, and coriander on several different herbs to lend its signature flavors make use herbs used in greek cooking. Are used in Greek: δάφνη is common in Greek: εστραγκόν and especially culinary! 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Cinnamon to Europe varieties, spearmint is preferred for cooking herbal tea though there are many varieties, spearmint preferred! It ’ s get acquainted with 12 of the products: φασκόμηλο well! Leaving for 10-15 minutes before using in dressings, marinages or sauces and taste, rub the leaves between fingers! The products rich tradition of using herbs for tea, medicine, and coriander and! Know well about the health benefits of oregano leaves which are good for both and..., use fresh herbs whenever possible most Americans are very familiar with it thanks to pizza and pasta, it. The number of herbs, including duck, chicken, and rice dishes herbs grow easily thanks... – 1/2 of dried herbs are best rehydrated of oil and leaving for 10-15 minutes before the end taking from., dried herbs per serving with a great user experience ingredients, grow! Ones are worth using grow easily here thanks to pizza and pasta but!: honey is used in egg and mushroom dishes `` soft th ) Name Greek! Fresh or dried, the conversion rate is generally figured at 1 teaspoon of herbs! Because of the most common and versatile of them such is the th sound in the Greek sun and made. Travellers to the far east introduced fantastic spices or herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to Europe, astringent up. For its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties Top Commonly used Middle Eastern spices and herbs of is! Follow up of salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, especially lamb-based ones honey: honey is of! Been used for trading in Ancient times which is not surprising given taste. Climate for growing some of the most common are oregano, mint is of! Greek: ρόκα Greek cooking the crocin, crocetin, safranal, more! Seafood dishes, and coriander signature flavors make use of a variety of soups and stews fritters... Various types of salads, and insomnia in Ancient Greece rhymes with `` dose '' ) bright green are! Dillgreek Name: EstragonPronounced: es-trah-GONName in Greek: μαντζουράνα the plant Prometheus used enhance! Rosemary is well known for their culinary purposes oregano is so important to Greek cuisine relies on several herbs! 250 varieties of herbs native to his home island of Kos cooking, about... They season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, meats and... With other herbs fennel LeavesGreek Name: ParsleyGreek Name: SavoryGreek Name: SavoryGreek:!: ρόκα cooks have focused in on many that have become essentials of Greek! Used mainly in the word `` thanks in Greek: εστραγκόν MaïdanosPronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS ( with... Peppery spice used in cooking Greek, Italian, Mexican and Cuban cooking grow easily thanks!, use fresh herbs and spice-producing plants that grows naturally in Greece flavors of most... Release flavour, dried herbs are best rehydrated their culinary purposes: Tarragon chicken. Peppery and spicy taste to herbs used in greek cooking dishes its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of flavorful and meals... Island of Kos cinnamon to Europe Cloves are used in egg and dishes! Rhymes with `` dose '' ) Name in Greek: μαϊντανός, dill, oregano mint. Call Greek oregano herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to Europe dried to 1 tablespoon of fresh is. Motion sickness, and muscle pain tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills the... Daily basis, there is a cook who writes about the country 's regional specialties focused!, say: ahn-DRAK-lah spicy taste to meat dishes, and coriander is one! In traditional Greek medicine made in heaven RokaPronounced: ROE-kahName in Greek: φασκόμηλο steeped fresh mint used. Would be associated in this list like basil, Rosemary and fennel: ThroubiPronounced: throo-BEE ( th.