Fresh or Dried Herbs: What's the Difference?

With the growing popularity of the farm-to-table movement, herbs have become a basic recipe for virtually all dishes. Besides adding flavour, herbs are also known for their vital nutrients and oxidants that help boost the immune system.

But, to enjoy these benefits, it demands that you know the difference between the two main types of herbs - dried and fresh herbs. 

So take a look at some of the differences, outlined below:

Flavour 

Mostly, herbs have oils in them that are responsible for bringing out the flavour and aroma in a dish. However, dried herbs tend to have less of these oils since they are dehydrated. 

To make the most out of them, it is best to add dried herbs during cooking. This helps release the oils trapped deep into the herbs, giving your dish a spicier flavour. 

Fresh herbs, on the other hand, are added after cooking as they contain all the flavour compounds, colour, and texture that dried herbs lack. 

It is also important to note that dried herbs are more highly concentrated in flavour than fresh herbs. As such, you should use less dry herbs than you would fresh herbs. This way, the intense flavours won't overpower your dish. 

 Shelf Life 

Dried herbs have a more stable shelf-life compared to fresh herbs. Usually, dried herbs are sold in jars that are supposed to be stored away from direct light and dampness. This helps preserve their flavour for weeks and even months, after which the herbs lose their aroma and start tasting musty. 

Depending on when they were harvested, most fresh herbs don't last more than a week. Their shelf-life is further reduced if the herbs are bought or collected during winter. So, if you are purchasing fresh herbs from the store, it is recommended to wrap them in a paper towel and store them in the fridge. This works best for the woody fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary. The leafier and greener herbs such as basil and coriander should be chopped and frozen in ice cubes. 

Alternatively, you may also consider buying fresh herbs in a limited amount to avoid spoilage. 

Cost 

Owing to the fact that they are perishable, fresh herbs often cost more than their dried counterparts. Additionally, keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavour, so you will use less of them- meaning you get great value for your money. 

But, if you prefer fresh produce, you may consider growing your herbs. This also is a great way to cut down the cost of buying fresh herbs from the store, and still enjoy generous yields. Ideally, they should be planted in small, portable pots so the herbs can be moved inside during the colder time of the year. 

Having understood the main differences between dried and fresh herbs, let's delve more in-depth as to when you should use each one of them. 

 When to Use Dried and Fresh Herbs 

If you are preparing sauce, soup, pasta, or any other dish that needs to simmer for more than 45 minutes, then dried herbs are your ideal choice. They should be added during the cooking to give them time to infuse the whole dish.

Fresh herbs often lose the volatile oils and esters if added in a dish that simmers for more than 15 minutes. As such, they are better after cooking and in dishes such as salad that don't require cooking.

In Conclusion: Dried vs Fresh Herbs 

Even with all this said, the type of herbs you use depends on personal preference and availability. You can also use both of them to get the best of the two worlds. Visit our online store today for both dried and fresh herbs, or simply contact us for more info.