www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 11/9/2007
Last Visited: 11/9/2007
"The pungent compounds that cause herbs to be valuable in flavoring food are, in most cases, volatile, essential oils," said David Trinklein, an associate professor with the University of Missouri's Division of Plant Sciences at Columbia, Mo. "Fresh herbs usually have a higher concentration of these compounds as opposed to dried herbs."
Herbs were the primary food seasoning grown in pioneer gardens.They also were used for curing illnesses, dying homespun fabrics, storing with linens or strewing on crude cabin floors to take advantage of their fragrance, Trinklein said.
The availability of dried herbs at the supermarket changed that.But as interest in cooking and ethnic foods in particular grows, fresh herbs are in demand.
Herbs can be grown indoors, but the results probably won't be as good as what you would see from houseplants, which generally are smaller and have different requirements.
"Most homes don't have enough light to support good growth," Trinklein said.
...
"Ideally, you should cut herbs soon after the dew has evaporated from the leaves in the morning," Trinklein said.