Health Tip: Getting the Most From Fresh Garden Herbs

Home-grown herbs can spice up your cooking with plenty of health benefits.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these herb care suggestions:

• Just before using, wash herbs and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
• Toss any leaves that are damaged.
• Use stems of herbs that are soft and pliable to add flavor.
• Pick herbs just before they bloom, when flavor is at its peak.
• For more flavor, add herbs toward the end of cooking time to hot dishes. Add herbs hours before eating to cold dishes that don't require cooking.
• Chop fresh herbs into fine pieces to release more flavor and aroma.