This Thanksgiving, no need to add extra spices to your shopping list. We’ve rounded up the best, easy-to-care for herbs to take your favorite dish, cocktail and seasonal soirée to the next level.
Sage
Sage is a staple for any chef when it comes to poultry. Mix your rich sage with garlic and melted butter for a savory chicken and turkey breast marinade. Sage butter also adds great flavor to mashed potatoes. Add sage to a spice sack that includes thyme and rosemary to boil with your potatoes or vegetables for a little extra kick.
Plant Care: Sage is best in well-drained soil and only needs water when soil feels dry. Keep your sage on a bright windowsill to get medium to full light.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a Thanksgiving essential. Mix with melted butter and garlic to create the perfect turkey rub your in-laws will be raving about for years to come. Or, add a pinch of rosemary and thyme to your dressing for a unique take on the traditional dish. Rosemary, along with thyme and mint, can also serve as a natural fall fragrance to cut and leave in small spaces your dinner guests will frequent, like guest baths.
Plant Care: Plant in well-drained, sandy soil and water only when soil feels dry. Place rosemary in full sun.
Thyme
Thyme’s subtle, earthy flavor can blend into almost any dish from savory to sweet. Sprinkle on root vegetables like sweet potatoes and turnips for a roasted vegetable dish or mix with lemon and vanilla for an unforgettable pie filling. Thyme is also the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table place setting, adding a fresh touch your guests will love.
Plant Care: Plant thyme in well-drained soil and watch it flourish in full sun.
Dill
Dill is a seasonal herb that thrives in the fall, making it a must-have for holiday cooking. If you’re in charge of the sides this year, add a pinch of dill to potato salad or mix with lemon and sour cream for a creamy dressing. A multi-functional herb, dill can also be incorporated in home-baked breads.
Plant Care: Plant dill in well-drained soil, keep in full sun, and water during dry spells.
Mint
Mint might not be the first herb that comes to mind for Thanksgiving, which makes it perfect for inspiring a fresh take on traditional dishes. Say goodbye to boring cranberry sauce by adding pomegranate seeds and a cup of freshly chopped mint. Mint is also great for pre (and post) dinner cocktails – just cut individual leaves when you’re ready to enjoy.
Plant Care: Mint can be very prolific, so plant your mint in a pot to keep it from. Place your mint in a location with plenty of sunlight and in moist soil.
Parsley
Garnish your Thanksgiving staples with flat-leaf parsley. The herb can be combined with rosemary, thyme and sage for a savory turkey rub or add a pop of color and added flavor to potatoes. Parsley can also upgrade simple vegetable recipes like roasted carrots.
Plant Care: This versatile plant thrives in moist soil and can adapt to full or partial sun environments.
If tiny pests such as loop or parsley worms start to appear on your herbs, use a trusted insecticide according to label directions. Remember to use The AND Approach to find the solution that works for your herbs and lifestyle.
