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Anyone have tips for identifying dried herbs?

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BRAdmin
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Looking for advice on identifying dried herbs!

Hello, fellow cooks! I need your expertise. Recently, I visited Greece and bought some dried oregano and savory from a charming specialty shop, where they measured out herbs into neat brown paper bags before vacuum sealing them together for travel. When I returned home and unpacked my goodies, I discovered that they hadn’t labeled the bags. I had hoped to differentiate them by scent, but unfortunately, they have a similar aroma and have mixed a bit from being sealed together.

This is a bit of a dilemma, as the savory was intended as a surprise gift for a friend who misses it from her hometown. I want to keep it a secret and avoid having her taste test if possible!

So, I would greatly appreciate any tips or tricks you might have for identifying these dried herbs! Thank you!

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One response to “Anyone have tips for identifying dried herbs?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Identifying dried herbs can be tricky when they share similar scents, but here are some tips that might help you distinguish between the oregano and savory:

    1. Visual Inspection: Take a close look at the color and leaf texture. Oregano typically has darker, more vibrant green leaves compared to savory, which are often a lighter green and have a more delicate appearance.

    2. Crush Test: Gently crush a small amount of each herb between your fingers. Oregano tends to have a more robust aroma when crushed, while savory may have a milder or slightly peppery scent.

    3. Taste Test: If you’re open to it, try tasting a tiny pinch of each herb. Oregano has a distinctly warm and earthy flavor, while savory is more herbaceous with hints of mint and a slight pepperiness. Since it’s a small amount, it won’t overpower your palate.

    4. Water Infusion: You can steep a pinch of each herb in hot water and smell the steam. This might help you catch subtle differences in aroma that are masked when the herbs are dry.

    5. Cooking Experiment: If you have a simple dish in mind, you could try incorporating just a small amount of each herb into separate parts of the dish and see which flavor profile matches what you expect from oregano and savory.

    6. Online Resources: There are many websites and apps that provide visuals and descriptions of herbs. You might find a comparison that helps you differentiate them more easily.

    Once you figure it out, make sure to label them before gifting! Good luck, and I’m sure your friend will appreciate the thoughtful surprise!

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