Alan shares his favorite herbs for cooking and fragrance in this tutorial. Learn about growing and preserving herbs, including mint varieties. The podcast also discusses the benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy sources for a sustainable future.
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Quick takeaways
Growing herbs reduces reliance on store-bought options and plastic waste, offering flavorful and eco-friendly benefits.
Choosing herbs aligned with culinary preferences and garden conditions ensures convenience, freshness, and optimal growth.
Deep dives
The Great Grid Upgrade: Making Energy Cleaner and More Affordable
National Grid is working on the Great Grid Upgrade, which aims to overhaul the electricity grid, connecting clean and affordable power sources to homes and businesses in the UK. This infrastructure scheme will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the country's transition to net zero emissions. By optimizing the distribution of power from sources like wind and solar, the Great Grid Upgrade aims to make energy cleaner, more affordable, and contribute towards shrinking carbon footprints.
Herbs: Essential Ingredients for Culinary Delights and Garden Beauty
Herbs serve as flavor enhancers in numerous dishes and bring beauty to gardens with their fragrant leaves and vibrant colors. They are versatile, with various medicinal uses and benefits for garden ecosystems. Growing herbs is economical and environmentally friendly, as it reduces reliance on store-bought herbs and minimizes plastic waste from packaging. Whether cultivated in the ground, containers, or window sills, herbs require proper sunlight and well-drained soil conditions. Popular herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender offer exceptional flavors, scents, and wildlife-attracting qualities. Storing and preserving herbs can be done by drying, freezing, or infusing them in oil or vinegar.
Tips for Growing and Enjoying Herbs
When growing herbs, it is crucial to choose the ones that align with your culinary preferences and garden conditions. Planting herbs within easy reach of the kitchen door or in containers near windowsills ensures convenience and freshness. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme thrive in sunny, well-drained soil, while others like coriander prefer a little shade and moisture. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding herbs, as excessive nutrients can compromise their flavor. Harvesting and preserving herbs allows for year-round enjoyment, either through drying, freezing, or storing them in oil or vinegar. Overall, growing herbs provides a satisfying and cost-effective solution for enhancing dishes and adding a touch of natural beauty to your garden.
Alan reveals his favourite plants to add flavour and fragrance to our food, with his guide to growing herbs, in this week’s Tea-Break Tutorial podcast – bite-sized solutions to your gardening questions.