10 Herbs You’ve Never Heard Of
Updated: Jul. 20, 2022A dash of chervil, a pinch of marjoram—herbs add so much dimension to your cooking! Here's why it's worth thinking outside the window box.
Chervil
A common herb in French cuisine, chervil has a mild flavor but can make a subtle difference in a dish. This parsley relative reminds us of anise and has some of that licorice flavor. Use it to season fish, salads, soups or poultry.
Tarragon
Along with chervil, parsley and chives, tarragon is one of the four herbs used for fines herbes, a staple of French cuisine. It finds its way into all sorts of recipes but we have to say, tarragon beautifully complements chicken.
Borage
There’s nothing like freshly picked borage. The delicate blue and pink flowers are edible, and so are the leaves. Borage is excellent in salads! It tastes somewhat like cucumber, so pairing the two together in a simple borage and cucumber salad is a match made in heaven.
Kaffir Lime Leaves
These unusual looking limes are a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. Kaffir lime leaves crop up again and again in Thai and Vietnamese dishes, where they are valued for their aromatic scent. Use for a little extra lift in this Thai red curry chicken.
Marjoram
Some folks claim that marjoram and oregano are one and the same—but that’s not the case! The two herbs are closely related, but marjoram is slightly sweeter. It’s delicious when dashed into whatever is bubbling on the stovetop or to make an amazing herbed pot roast.
Chamomile
Chamomile is more than a calming herbal tea. You can use it to gently flavor a whole host of dishes, although it’s divine in desserts. Use it as a substitute for lavender when baking or try it in a batch of infused water.
Lemongrass
As its name suggests, this herb has a wonderful grassy, lemony aroma. Another essential in Southeast Asian cuisine, lemongrass is used for absolutely everything: marinades, soups, curries and more. Its citrus-herbal flavor makes it a natural choice for ramen.
Lavender
Though lavender is common in soaps and perfumes, it’s sorely underused as a culinary herb. Its lovely floral scent takes the likes of this lavender honey cheesecake to the next level. Sprinkle dried flowers in these cookies, cakes or quick breads for an incomparable flavor.
