April in the Sign of Green

But don’t worry—even if you don’t have a greenhouse, a garden, or at least a few window boxes, you don’t have to be left with nothing but tears. In our selection, you’ll also find cut herbs in boxes or right in pots. After all, fresh herbs were the original reason we started TITBIT—the Czech market was neglecting them, so we wanted to right that wrong.

Basil is one of the most popular herbs of all; we could even say, with a bit of exaggeration, that Mediterranean cuisine stands or falls with it. Just try to imagine a Caprese salad, Genovese pesto, or Margherita pizza without its distinctive aroma and flavor. You can’t, can you? What’s more, it’s good for digestion and frayed nerves.

Sage, on the other hand, is often paired with roasted dishes, rich meats (game, lamb, etc.), and fish, and its fried leaves can add a refreshing twist to pasta or salads. In addition to its wide range of culinary uses, sage has another major advantage—it can be not only dried but also easily frozen without losing any of its intense flavor. Sage is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals.

When someone says “something green for garnish,” most of us probably think of two things: parsley and chives. Both have a long tradition (not only) in Czech cuisine. They’re added to soups, salads, potatoes, spreads, and meats—basically anywhere you need a splash of green. The Italians have even taken this so far that they say someone who never misses a party is “like parsley”—which, they say, must never be missing from any gathering either.

What basil is to Mediterranean cuisine, cilantro is to Asian, Mexican, and Latin American cuisine. Its pungent flavor and aroma—which may take a little getting used to—are easily recognizable in all sorts of dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and pho. It pairs wonderfully with chili peppers, lime, and onion. Cilantro is packed with antioxidants and has positive effects on sleep quality and appetite.

Like mint, lemon balm is one of those herbs that no bartender or lover of homemade drinks should overlook. Its pleasant lemon scent practically begs to be used. Lemon balm boasts soothing effects on the entire body (it calms the mind and nerves, relieves cramps, and eases heart palpitations), and promotes restful sleep, so a single cup of tea made from fresh lemon balm can instantly become your little lifesaver after a stressful day at work. Lemon balm also works well in lemonades and syrups, and it holds its own in desserts, jams, and salads.