What Are The Italian Cooking Herbs?

Italian cuisine is known for rich sauces, rustic pasta dishes, cheesy pizzas and savory meats and seafoods. Fresh herbs play an essential part in flavoring Italian food, and in some instances, the use of herbs identifies what region in Italy originally produced the food. Use fresh herbs when possible; if they are not available, use dried herbs in their place. Check dried herbs for staleness before you use them.

Basil

One of the most common herbs used in Italian cooking is basil. There are 12 varieties of culinary basil, all of them are members of the mint family. Basil is highly fragrant and has a sweet flavor that is a blend of clove and licorice. According to Iowa State University, basil is best used to flavor meats, poultry, stews, soups, salads and eggs. Dried basil lacks the aroma and pungent flavor found in fresh basil, so use fresh basil whenever possible.

Parsley

Curly leaf and flat leaf are the two types of parsley used in cooking. Parsley has a fresh, peppery flavor with just a hint of anise undertones and blends well with other herbs and spices. The flat leaf variety, also known as Italian parsley, is more flavorful and is favored for use in Italian foods, while the curly leaf variety is often used as a garnish. Parsley can add flavor to meats, soups, tomato sauces, salads and warm vegetables.

Oregano

The culinary herb oregano is used to season a variety of Italian dishes. According to Washington State University, oregano has a strong, sharp aroma and a peppery taste that mixes well with other herbs and spices, including thyme, garlic and parsley. Whether you use it fresh or dried, oregano adds a dash of flavor to soups, sauces, omlets, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish. Although marjoram has a far less pungent flavor, it may be used as a substitute for oregano.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a small, evergreen bush that is a member of the mint family. Known for a spicy aroma and taste similar to pine, rosemary is used to season a variety of Italian dishes. Use rosemary in a marinade or a soup or to add flavor to meats, poultry, breads and potatoes. Sprigs of rosemary make an attractive garnish for your meal. Although rosemary blends well with other herbs, it can be overpowering, so use it in moderation when adding it to foods.