Health Tip: Getting the Most From Fresh Garden Herbs

Home-grown herbs can spice up your cooking with plenty of health benefits.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these herb care suggestions: 1. Just before using, wash herbs and gently pat dry with a paper towel. 2. Toss any leaves that are damaged. 3. Use stems of herbs that are soft and pliable to add flavor. 4. Pick herbs just before they bloom, when flavor is at its peak. 5. For more flavor, add herbs toward the end of cooking time to hot dishes. Add herbs hours before eating to cold dishes that don't require cooking. 6. Chop fresh herbs into fine pieces to release more flavor and aroma.