Thyme is great in a variety of uses

It is a really great feeling to grow your own herbs, but for many herb gardeners, once they get the herbs started, they are at a loss to know how to use as many herbs as they grow. Fortunately, there are many ways to use herbs beyond just seasoning your food, so here are some ideas to get you started.

Many herbs can be used to make hot or iced tea. Think beyond mint and try thyme, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, lemon balm, and lavender. Hot or iced, these teas are delicious, easy, and can even be made in your iced tea maker.

Herbs can also be used in sachets to keep away moths and pests from your food and clothing. Lavender is especially good for this, but try other herbs, too. For example, basil keeps away weevils.

Another way to use herbs is to freeze them in ice cubes, then add to soup or drinks. Mint can be used to flavour iced coffee, and you can try different combinations to find something you like.

Herbs can also be used to flavour salt or sugar. Many of us had a jar of vanilla sugar in the pantry when we were growing up, but other kinds of herb can be used to flavour salts or sugars, including rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and lavender. Try using herbal sugars in bread recipes that call for a pinch of sugar, or for making unusual and delicious cookies.

You can also bake these herbs into breads, add them raw to salads, make them into soups or sauces, and develop your own uses depending on your family’s tastes. You will be amazed at all the uses you can find for them!