Middle Eastern homegrown herbs offer a unique and flavorful addition to any garden or kitchen. Cherished for centuries in Middle Eastern cuisine and medicine, these herbs tantalize the senses with their distinctive tastes, aromas, and health benefits. Their unique flavors and fragrances come from compounds produced naturally in the leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of these hardy plants.
Robust Flavors and Fragrances
What makes Middle Eastern herbs special is the combination of their robust flavors, enticing fragrances, and potent medicinal properties cultivated in the region’s hot, arid climate. The challenging growing conditions concentrate the oils and flavor compounds in the plants, making them extremely aromatic and flavorful.
When added to dishes, these herbs create depth and complexity with earthy, herbaceous, and citrusy notes that are distinctive to Middle Eastern cuisine. Their ability to grow in dry environments also makes them easy to cultivate at home, even in hot climates or gardens with sandy soil.
Therapeutic Effects
In addition to enhancing food, Middle Eastern herbs have long been relied on in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other therapeutic effects. The same compounds that give these herbs their tantalizing flavors also provide alleviation for various health issues. Herbs like ginger, thyme, turmeric and garlic can relieve symptoms ranging from nausea to arthritis when consumed regularly.
Popular Homegrown Varieties
Some of the most commonly grown Middle Eastern herbs include:
- Mint – Adds refreshing flavor to salads, drinks, and more
- Parsley – Offers fresh, aromatic quality
- Cilantro – Provides a bright, citrusy taste
- Thyme – Infuses dishes with earthy essence
- Oregano – Imparts a subtle spice and woodsy notes
- Sumac – Features a tangy, lemony flavor
- Za’atar – Blend with thyme, oregano and sumac used as seasoning
- Rosemary – Traces of pine complement meat and vegetables
Other Less Common Varieties
In addition to the most popular varieties listed above, some other Middle Eastern herbs that are less commonly grown but still used include:
- Marjoram – Offers a sweet, woodsy flavor
- Tarragon – Features anise/licorice notes
- Nigella seeds – Small, black seeds with pungent, oniony flavor
- Dill – Provides a fresh, grassy taste
- Chervil – Delicate anise flavor
Some gardeners also grow fennel, saffron, fenugreek and lovage for their unique flavors and health properties. Though not as common, these herbs can add nice variety.
Cultivating a Middle Eastern Herb Garden
Growing Middle Eastern herbs at home allows you to enjoy their fresh flavors. To successfully cultivate these plants in your garden, follow these tips:
Ideal Growing Conditions
Most Middle Eastern herbs need lots of sun and well-drained soil to thrive. To prepare an optimal herb garden:
- Choose a sunny location that gets 6+ hours of direct sun daily
- Improve drainage by mixing in sand or small gravel
- Adjust soil pH to 6.5-7.0
- Add compost or fertilizer to nourish plants
Planting
You can start Middle Eastern herbs from seeds or transplants. To plant:
- Sow seeds according to packet instructions in spring after last frost
- Set out seedlings after danger of frost has passed
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on mature size
Ongoing Care
To keep your herbs happy and productive:
- Water 1-2 inches per week
- Prune often to promote bushy growth
- Apply balanced organic fertilize monthly
- Protect from pests like aphids and mites
- Weed and remove dead growth
Harvesting
Snip leaves, seeds, flowers or stems as needed once plants are established. Ideally harvest in the morning after dew dries but before the heat of mid-day since this is when aromatic oils peak. Store leaves loosely wrapped in damp paper towels and refrigerate for a week or more.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Middle Eastern herbs provide antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other substances that offer natural health benefits. Consuming them regularly can help:
Relieve Digestive Issues
Herbs like peppermint, ginger, and fennel can alleviate symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Gas and bloating
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
They help relax GI muscles, reduce inflammation, stimulate bile production, neutralize acids and enhance digestion.
Fight Inflammation
Herbs with anti-inflammatory effects like turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon can alleviate swelling, pain, redness and immobility caused by inflammation. Conditions supported include:
- Arthritis
- Gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s or IBS
- Neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s
- Metabolic disease like diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
These herbs reduce inflammatory markers, inhibit enzymes causing inflammation, improve antioxidant status and protect cells.
Boost Immune Function
Antimicrobial herbs like oregano, thyme, sage and garlic can:
- Prevent viral, bacterial or fungal infections
- Shorten duration and severity of illness
- Strengthen immune response
- Support respiratory health
- Fight Candida overgrowth
Adding these flavorful herbs to your diet can positively influence your overall vitality and well-being.
Using Homegrown Herbs in Middle Eastern Cooking
Homegrown herbs allow you to experience the true essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Adding them provides authentic flavor and freshness to signature dishes like:
- Tabbouleh – bulgur salad with tomatoes, parsley, mint, onion, lemon juice and olive oil
- Hummus – chickpea spread/dip made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil
- Baba ghanoush – smoky eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, lemon and spices
- Shawarma – thinly sliced marinated meat cooked on a spit, wrapped in flatbread
- Falafel – deep-fried chickpea fritters/balls seasoned with cilantro, cumin and other herbs
- Stuffed grape leaves – rice stuffed grape/vine leaves cooked with lemon juice and herbs
- Lentil soup – hearty Middle Eastern lentil soup made with garlic, cumin and lemon
- Fattoush salad – mixed greens, vegetables and crispy pita with sumac dressing
- Grilled lamb kebabs – lamb chunks/meat skewers with Middle Eastern marinade
- Turkish delight – gelled sweet candy made with rosewater or orange blossom water
Getting Creative in the Kitchen
You can also get creative with herb-infused oils, marinades, salads and more. Some ideas include:
- Za’atar chicken with lemon
- Mint raita sauce
- Thyme and lamb kofta skewers
- Tzatziki cucumber yogurt dip
- Lemon oregano pasta salad
- Sage butter
- Parsley tabbouleh
- Coriander and cumin roasted carrots
- Garlic cardamom glaze for meat
- Rosemary olive bread
The possibilities are endless!
Preserving Homegrown Herb Flavors
To retain the taste, aroma, color and health benefits of your homegrown Middle Eastern herbs over time:
Drying Techniques
Common drying methods include:
- Hanging upside down in cool, dark location
- Using a food dehydrator
- Microwaving on low power
Check dried herbs for brittleness, then remove leaves and flowers from stems.
Storage Tips
- Keep in airtight glass jars or containers
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from light and heat
- Label jars with name and date
- Use within 1 year for best quality
Other Preservation Methods
- Freezing – Wash herbs, pat dry, place in freezer bags/containers removing air, freeze up to 6 months
- Oils or vinegars – Make flavored oils and vinegars with herbs that keep several months stored properly
- Salts or sugars – Mix dried herbs into sea salt or sugar to add instant flavor to dishes
Dried or frozen herbs concentrate flavor, nutrients and plant compounds, allowing you to enjoy the bounty from your garden all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy Middle Eastern herbs for beginners to grow?
Great Middle Eastern herbs for beginners include mint, parsley, basil and oregano. These are relatively hardy plants that grow well in a variety of conditions.
What time of year is best for harvesting Middle Eastern herbs?
For the best flavor and oil concentration, harvest Middle Eastern herbs just before flowering. Usually mid summer is peak harvesting time for popular types like mint, thyme, dill and cilantro.
Which parts of Middle Eastern herbs are typically used for cooking?
The leaves and tender stems are most often added to Middle Eastern dishes. Seeds from plants like coriander, fennel and cumin are also common. Some flowers like chamomile and chives add mild flavor as well.
What’s the difference between spices and herbs?
While they both add flavor, spices come from roots, barks, berries, seeds or nuts while herbs typically come from fresh or dried leaves. Spices also tend to be stronger in taste compared to mild green herbs.
What are some other ways to use Middle Eastern herb combinations?
Popular Middle Eastern herb blends like za’atar, baharat, chermoula or dukkah make tasty seasoning mixes for meat, dips and vegetables. You can also use combinations like mint and lamb, cilantro and chickpeas or thyme and lemon zest.
How long do dried Middle Eastern herbs last?
Properly stored in a cool, dark place, most dried Middle Eastern herbs will retain optimal flavor and potency for 12-18 months. Monitor for color fading or moisture and discard old herbs as needed.
What are the best companion plants for a Middle Eastern herb garden?
Great companion plants that enhance growth include tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and flowers like marigolds. Choose complementary plants with similar sunlight and water needs.
Which Middle Eastern herb is easiest to grow indoors?
Mint is one of the easiest Middle Eastern herbs to grow indoors. Plant in potting mix in a container, provide ample sunlight from a window and water moderately allowing soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
Reveling in the Richness of Homegrown Herbs
Homegrown Middle Eastern herbs offer a treasure trove of flavor and wellness to enhance your kitchen and lifestyle. With proper growing methods and preservation, you can revel in their richness from garden to table for months on end. Pair these techniques with creative recipes and meals to get the most from your herb garden.
With the right care and techniques, Middle Eastern homegrown herbs will bring whimsy, wellness and heightened flavors to everyday life.
