Handy herbs


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Herbs are very useful plants.

You use them to add flavours to foods when cooking.

You can buy most of these herbs dried.

Depending on what you cook, you will need to use either fresh or dried herbs.

Let's take a look at some popular herbs.

Bay leaf

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Bay leaf is the leaf of the laurel tree.

It tastes slightly bitter and spicy.

Add it to soups, meat and fish dishes for some extra flavour.


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Basil is a leaf which has a peppery taste.

You can use it in many different dishes, from salads to meat.

Add it to your tomato salad, it's delicious!


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Dill is a herb with thread leaves like feathers.

It tastes a bit like aniseed.

Add it to tuna salads, omelettes or mix it with chopped cucumber and low-fat yoghurt for a tasty dip.


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Mint leaves taste cool and are used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

They are even used in drinks.

Add them to your fruit salad or fruit kebabs for a fresh taste.


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There are two types of parsley: flat leaf and curly leaf.

They are used in many different dishes, such as salads, soups and pasta.

Add it to your baked potatoes.


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Rosemary leaves look a bit like pine leaves.

They taste bittersweet and are used in stews, soups and meat dishes.

Add them to roast chicken for some extra flavour. 


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Sage is a herb with very velvety leaves.

It has a strong flavour and is used for stews, meat dishes, and in stuffing for roast dinners.

Add it to your avocado salad for extra flavour.


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Tarragon has long small leaves and tastes a bit like liquorice.

It's used in chicken and fish dishes, or to add flavour to oils.

Add it to your tomato and tuna salad for extra special flavour.

Herb challenge

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Ask an adult to show you the herbs they use at home.

What do they smell like?

What do they taste like?

What dishes are the herbs used in?

How many herbs can you name?

Back to Know it!

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