A few thoughts on herbs

Image Beth Druce

Herbs in the kitchen are as essential to me as a bowl of lemons - I cannot cook without them. I love the versatility of herbs, their colours, shapes and scents. I would encourage you to always have them somewhere in your home. On your kitchen windowsill or in pots outside your kitchen door or in window boxes where they are easily at hand whilst also adding a pop of colour and hopefulness in your home.

Basil - With its summery intense fragrance, it is always a herb I have on my kitchen windowsill. I always use it up quickly, as I tend to not be green-fingered enough to keep it alive for very long. Thai basil is also delicious and brings an aniseed flavour to dishes and elevates the look of the dish.

Coriander - Fresh coriander is a herb that you either love or hate. I love it - so versatile and delicious in fish cookery. It grows well, although has a habit of bolting and reaching for the sky.

Mint - Medicinal and wonderful. Mint inspires me and always gives me a sense of well-being. Fresh mint tea is delicious and cleansing and a go-to tonic or cuppa. There are so many varieties too. Easy to grow, although tends to take over, so I tend to plant mine in pots in my planters.

Parsley - Always flat-leaf for me and always a herb I use to finish dishes, from omlettes to kedgeree. Once you start cooking with this herb you will never look back.

Rosemary - Steadfast and true, a herb that I love. Hardy, it requires little attention apart from a good dose of Cornish sunshine. It thrives particularly well by the sea. In the spring, beautiful blue flowers appear, which I use to decorate dishes or for making rosemary sugar to use in shortbread.

Sage - An earthy herb that I will always associate with the colder months. I find sage particularly beautiful, such delicate leaves with an intense autumnal feel.

Tarragon - Sings summer to me. A herb that is often underated and misunderstood, it is one of my favourite essentials. Particularly good in my tarragon mayo as featured in my book Sea and Shore. Perfect with roast chicken; you can find the recipe here.