Florida Flavor
Living in the Sunshine State means having access to an abundance of fresh herbs year-round, thanks to Florida’s warm climate and fertile soil. Whether you have a sprawling backyard garden or a cozy balcony space, growing your own herbs is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor cooking adventures. Let’s explore some of the best herbs to grow in Florida and how you can incorporate them into your outdoor culinary creations. Read some of the benefits of growing and cooking with herbs below.
Herbs offer a plethora of benefits for both culinary and health purposes. Because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, herbs contribute to overall well-being. Incorporating them into your diet can enhance flavor profiles without the need for excessive salt or unhealthy additives. Beyond taste, herbs possess medicinal properties that support digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Cooking with herbs not only elevates dishes with vibrant colors and aromas but also promotes healthier eating habits. Experimenting with various herb combinations adds depth and complexity to meals while providing a natural source of essential nutrients. So, whether sprinkled fresh over salads or simmered in hearty stews, herbs are a simple yet powerful way to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals. Let’s explore some of the best herbs to grow in Florida and how you can incorporate them into your outdoor culinary creations.
Basil:
Basil thrives in Florida’s warm and sunny climate, making it a must-have herb for any garden. This fragrant herb adds a burst of fresh flavor to a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, salads, and pizzas. In outdoor cooking, basil leaves can be torn and sprinkled over grilled meats, fish, or vegetables for an aromatic finish.
Recipe: Grilled Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and basil leaves onto skewers.
- Brush skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill skewers over medium heat until tomatoes are slightly charred and cheese is softened.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Rosemary:
With its woody stems and fragrant needles, rosemary is a versatile herb that thrives in Florida’s climate. This aromatic herb pairs beautifully with grilled meats, adding depth and flavor to dishes like roasted chicken, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin. Simply strip the leaves from the stem and sprinkle them over your grilled creations for a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Recipe: Grilled Rosemary Lemon Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Fresh rosemary, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together minced rosemary, minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken until cooked through, and flip once.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices.
Mint:
Mint is a refreshing herb that flourishes in Florida’s humid climate, making it perfect for growing in both gardens and containers. This versatile herb adds a cool, invigorating flavor to drinks, salads, and desserts. In outdoor cooking, mint can be chopped and mixed into marinades. Mint can also used to garnish grilled vegetables, lamb skewers, and fruity cocktails.
Recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salad with Mint
Ingredients:
- Watermelon slices
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brush watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill watermelon slices over medium-high heat so grill marks appear about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Arrange grilled watermelon on a platter and sprinkle with chopped mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.
Lemongrass:
Lemongrass adds a citrusy, aromatic flavor to dishes and is well-suited to Florida’s tropical climate. This grass-like herb is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is used to flavor soups, curries, and marinades. In outdoor cooking, lemongrass stalks can be bruised and added to marinades. Then used for grilled seafood or as skewers for kebabs.
Recipe: Lemongrass Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Lemongrass stalks, trimmed and bruised
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Thread shrimp onto lemongrass stalks and place in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over shrimp and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill shrimp skewers until pink and cooked through, and turning once.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Thyme:
Thyme is a hardy herb that grows well in Florida’s warm climate and sandy soil. Its delicate leaves add a subtle earthiness to dishes and pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, meats, and seafood. In outdoor cooking, thyme sprigs can be used to flavor marinades, and grilled kebabs, and tossed directly onto the grill for a smoky aroma.
Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Platter with Thyme
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cut vegetables into uniform pieces and toss with olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat
- Grill vegetables until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally.
- Arrange grilled vegetables on a platter
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Growing and cooking with herbs in Florida allows you to elevate your outdoor cooking experience with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re grilling meats, seafood, vegetables, or even fruits, these versatile herbs are sure to add a touch of sunshine to your culinary creations. So roll up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty, let the flavors of Florida inspire your next outdoor feast. Happy gardening and happy cooking!