Flavor And Health Benefits From Autumn Herbs

One of my favorite parts of autumn is the aromas that are specific to the season. The warming spices, curries, and pumpkin — there’s something so comforting about these scents. Interestingly, the herbs and spices we rely on for flavoring our fall cooking have some incredible health benefits. Flavor, aroma and health benefits from autumn herbs – that’s a win!

Grab them fresh from your garden or from your spice rack and get cooking with these eight popular autumn herbs. You will be improving your health as well.

Oregano

Not only is oregano full of antibacterial properties, but it contains iron, manganese, vitamin K, and other antioxidants. Just a little bit of fresh or dried oregano is good for improved immunity and adds zesty flavors to your dishes for extraordinary taste.

Ginger

Ginger is another immunity-booster that can help improve your circulation too. It’s helpful for digestive troubles and adds aromatic flavors to your food. Jazz it up your veggie noodle soup with an Asian feel from this zesty spice. You can even make ginger tea with it, which is perfect for getting cozy on a chilly night or soothing a sore throat.

Sage

Add a warm and appealing flavor and aroma to your dishes. Most of us are familiar with its flavor in stuffing for holiday turkeys. Sage offers a variety of nutrients and antioxidants. It is potent, so you won’t need much. Here’s a recipe that combines sage with spaghetti squash for a very fall meal. Or try a little of it blended with extra virgin olive oil and poured over zoodles (spiralized zucchini) to create a restaurant-worthy dish on your busiest night of the week.

Rosemary

Piney and lemony, rosemary has such a relaxing aroma. It’s also antiseptic and great for your health. There are so many ways to cook with fresh or dried rosemary. You can even infuse olive oil with rosemary to make your favorite dishes. You could sprinkle it on vegetables before roasting them, and nothing compares to fresh-baked rosemary bread!

Cilantro

Help your body kick heavy metals to the curb with naturally detoxing cilantro. It’s great for finishing off hot or cold dishes, especially from Mexican and Asian cuisines.

Thyme

Along with sage and rosemary, thyme is great for your immunity while also having antifungal properties. It’s a delicious addition to soups and stews, and enhances the flavor of roasted vegetables.

Cumin

Often found in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mexican cuisines, cumin helps with digestion, and is a good source of iron. Bland beans come alive with cumin as do stews and even something as simple as roasted potatoes.

Paprika

With antibacterial properties, paprika is ideal for skin concerns. It packs a bit of heat and adds more depth to your dishes. Made from the skin of bell peppers and hot peppers, it gives a healthy flair to your foods. Smoked paprika is another option that lends even more complexity for vegetables.

Don’t settle for just salt and pepper. Shake on more seasoning from these autumn herbs. You’ll get better flavor and help boost your health all in one! We love the smells and colors of fall, but it also brings on the threat of flu season. Choosing your foods and your activities wisely can help to arm your immune system to protect you.