Fresh Herbs vs. Sundried Herbs: Which is Better?

Herbs, whether fresh or sun-dried, add a flavorsome punch to any dish. They’re one sure way to add a fresh, fragrant aroma to alleviate everyday foods — think fresh basil on pasta, dried oregano in pizzas, and rosemary sprigs in roasted chicken. But should you lean toward fresh herbs always, or are sun-dried organic herbs online a good choice?

Let’s discuss.

Herbs: A Dash of Seasoning

Herbs are an essential part of the culinary world. These luscious, aromatic leaves are found in both fresh and dried varieties, which can leave those new to using them confused. Before deciding whether to choose fresh or dried organic herbs, you should learn their health benefits. Basil, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, ginger, turmeric, elderberry, and more are not just garnishes; they’re packed full of nutrients essential for health.

Health Benefits of Herbs — Fresh and Dried

Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and are a valuable resource for maintaining good health. Here are just a few of the many health benefits that herbs can provide:

Reducing inflammation 

Many herbs, whether fresh or sun-dried, such as turmeric, rosemary, thyme, ginger, and basil leaves by McCabe, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Boosting immunity

Cilantro, thyme, rosemary, and organic basil, are known for their immune-boosting properties. These herbs increase the production of white blood cells, the cells responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.

Reducing stress and anxiety

Some herbs also provide relief against stress and anxiety. These include lavender and chamomile, which are often used to help relax the mind and body.

Improving digestion

Herbs like oregano, parsley, thyme, fennel, peppermint, and ginger improve digestion and reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.

Reducing pain

Believe it or not, herbs can help reduce pain as well. For example, oregano, basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, and ginger alleviate chronic pain and inflammation.

Promoting cardiovascular health 

Basil, fresh or dried, is one such herb that helps improve cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Fresh vs. Sundried Herbs: Which Is Better?

When you’re ready to cook an herb-infused dish, you have two main options to choose from: fresh herbs and dried herbs. Both types have their own flavors and uses, but you might be wondering which to choose. Though your choice depends on your needs and what you’re cooking, here are a few differences to keep in mind:

Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs are, well, fresh and super herby! They’re hand-picked from the plant and meant to be used soon after. You find fresh herbs usually at the local farmer’s market or at the grocery store (or in your own backyard or kitchen if you’re growing them). These leaves have a crisp, fresh, aromatic flavor and can be used in dishes that don’t require too much cooking, like salads, pizza toppings, sandwiches, etc.

Sundried herbs

Sundried herbs, on the other hand, are fresh herbs that have been dried under the sun or by using a dehydrator. These herbs carry a deeper, more complex flavor and have less water content. This makes less quantity more flavorsome, therefore, they’re best used for dishes that require longer cooking times such as braises, soups, and stews.

At SF Mart, our sun-dried herb varieties are natural and simple. They’re sun-dried on the McCabe Farm in a specialized sun-drying facility that uses traditional and modern technology to get the best results.  Additionally, our herbs have a higher vitamin D and mineral content compared to products from companies that use dehydration machines. Our specialty includes organic dried basil leaves that elevate the flavors in soups, salads, pastas, and stir-fries.

The Verdict

So, which herb type should you use? Well, it comes down to the dish you are making and your personal preference. A dish with less cooking time can do well with fresh herbs while something that’ll take longer to make and needs a sharper flavor will be best with dried herbs.

Keep both types of herbs in your kitchen so you can create foods rich in flavors.

Substituting Fresh Herbs with Dried Herbs

Need to substitute fresh herb with dried herbs or the other way around? Here’s a short guideline:

• One tablespoon of fresh herb is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of dried herb
• One teaspoon of dried herb is equivalent to ¼ teaspoon of powdered herb

Why Should You Cook with Organic Dried Herbs?

Whether you opt for fresh herbs or sun-dried herbs, it’s always a better, safer choice to go for organic varieties over commercially produced ones. This is because organic herbs are grown in farms and herb gardens that don’t use pesticides, toxic chemicals, or harmful fertilizers. They’re natural, free of preservatives, and the healthiest choice for your meals.

Not just that, when you choose organic alternatives to common, commercially produced food items, you’re also voting for healthier working conditions for farmers and their communities. So, organic products are the go-to choice for consumption as they help save the environment from harmful farming and agricultural practices, and improve your health and the livelihood of the workers.

Shop Organic Products at SF Mart Today

Eat healthier and heartier with the organic products available at SF Mart, an organic food store online. We sell a range of CCOF and OCIA-certified organic foods, including organic black beans, organic red lentils, the best organic brown rice, organic sweets, oats, barley, flour, seeds, sun-dried jujubes, teas, radishes, and more.

If you’re looking to add nutrient-rich, pure foods to your diet, our McCabe products are a must-have. Grown in fertile soil without the use of pesticides, they’re high in vitamin D, minerals, and water content.

Browse our organic grains, beans, and sun-dried range today.