Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme...

So, the Simon & Garfunkel song goes: "Are you going to Scarborough Faire, - parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme...  Remember me to one who lives there...  She once was a true love of mine..."

Well, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are some of the most famous and delicious herbs ---

Parsley (French parsley):  That fluffy and furry green that is often a garnish on dinner plates is also rich in vitamins and minerals.  Leaf infusions of it are used as a tonic for hair and eyes.  It is used in many Middle Eastern dishes as a vegetable, and in soups.  It is a wonderful breath freshener.  Leaf poultices of parsley can improve strains and sprains.  Grow parsley near roses; it improves their health and scent.

Sage: There are many varieties of sage.  I like the sage that has purple stems.  Sage has a strong flavor when used in cooking, so use it sparingly.  Everybody knows to put it in stuffing for turkeys.  It's also delicious when used with pork chops.  The flowers can be tossed in salads.

Rosemary: It's folk name is "elf leaf"; the fey are said to love it.  Rosemary has a very distinctive piney flavor and scent.  It's good when cooked with lamb and in Italian dishes.  A Mediterranean herb, it grows like a hardy weed in warm climates where temperatures don't fall to freezing.  In fact, it quickly becomes a bush!  In colder climes it can be grown well in a pot and brought inside in winter to thrive in a sunny window.  Water rosemary sparingly, don't overwater.  Infusions of rosemary are used as a dark hair rinse.  It has pretty little light blue flowers. 

Thyme: There are many varieties of thyme.  It is also very aromatic and is used in slowing cooking soups and stews.  Common thyme is delicious in chicken dishes.  Infusions are used as a stimulant and antiseptic. It has little purple flowers.