Daily Kitchen Note
Delicate fresh herbs lose their flavor if cooked too long. Adding them at the very end of cooking or as a garnish preserves their bright, fresh taste.
How to Add delicate herbs late
- Wash fresh herbs under running water and pat dry.
- Chop delicate herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley.
- Add them 1-2 minutes before the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their bright flavor.
Why it works
Extended cooking can destroy the delicate aroma and flavor compounds in tender herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley. Adding them at the very end ensures their volatile oils remain intact, providing maximum flavor.
Source
University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Using Fresh Herbs in Cooking
