A great way to have a continuous supply of herbs for cooking is by growing culinary herbs in your own garden. There are many great herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Herbs can have a tang to them, or they can be spicy or even salty, or they can be simply delicious. For any recipe out there, there is the perfect herb.

Parsley is often seen on the side of your plate, but it should be used more than just for decoration. It makes a delicious addition to fish, chicken, lamb, soups and salads. It is a very versatile herb.

One of the most commonly called-for ingredients in recipes is thyme. Made from the leaves of a small woody-stemmed plant, thyme can add the perfect hint of flavor to just about anything. Great in a tuna casserole, a sophisticated stew, or a sauce to be spread over beef, even grilled chicken and cheese dishes can benefit from the addition of a bit of thyme.

One beautifully pungent herb used as a common addition to Italian dishes — Basil — is used for good reason. It adds what many chefs like to call the ‘right’ touch. This is an herb of many uses, whether used for varieties of recipes from colorful pastas to cheesy pizzas, and is recommended greatly when preparing one’s tomato sauce for sophisticated, delicious pasta dishes.

Looking for something with just a little more zest? Aniseed may be the perfect solution. The oil of anise is actually used in the making of artificial licorice because of it’s licorice-like flavor, and will add a whole new dimension to the most basic dish. The slender leaves of the tarragon plant are great herbs to add to fish or mayonnaise-based dishes because of their spicy flavor.

Growing culinary herbs is so easy that anybody can do it. They are actually one of the easiest plants to grow and need only sunshine, water and soil. They are very resistant to disease and can endure adverse conditions well.

Another favorite herb is coriander seeds. These come from the plant that forms the base of cilantro. They have a citrusy flavor and are great on pork, in curry, or for chutney. Dill, an herb that has a bit of tang, is great for pickling or on a salad. It also makes for a great addition to olive oil.

The most popular herbs for cooking come from the mint family. These include sage, rosemary, peppermint, and others. These herbs offer a unique flavor to meats, potatoes, soups and jellies.

Less commonly used, but highly recommended for those seeking a little culinary adventure, is saffron. Reminiscent of a mildly sweet and pungent honey, it can add flavor to a dish you cannot get from other herbs. It is used to make the traditional Turkish rice pudding, yet can also add amazing flavor to fish or poultry.

Growing culinary herbs can benefit you in a number of ways. They can be an excellent addition to your cooking plus growing them can be a fun hobby in and of itself. Adding them to your cooking can transform an everyday meal into a culinary delight.

To learn more about growing culinary herbs as well as get tips on basic herb gardening, please visit http://basicherbgardeningtips.com/