It is a battle that has been waged in kitchens across the world. Fresh vs dried herbs. Which one is better? Which one should you use? Let’s explore this flavor battle and settle things once and for all.
Choosing a winner is completely subjective. Both varieties of herbs have their uses. Dried herbs tend to be more potent. You generally need three times as many fresh herbs to match the flavor intensity of dried herbs. This means your dried herbs will go a little further, giving you more bang for your buck.
Another advantage of dried herbs is shelf life. They will last much longer than fresh herbs. When you buy fresh herbs, you have to use them relatively quickly. Dinner plans often change, and fresh herbs can sometimes go to waste. This is not an issue with dried herbs, as they can last for weeks or months.
As a general rule, I use dried herbs for seasoning dishes while cooking, and fresh herbs for garnish. Furthermore, as the father of small children, I typically reserve these garnishes for special occasions. Sadly, my children just don’t appreciate that sprinkle of fresh parsley on their spaghetti and meatballs.
While I am generally team-dried herbs, I love fresh herbs as well. They definitely have their uses. I love fresh parsley to garnish my Italian dishes. Fresh cilantro for tacos and homemade salsa are a must.
If I had to pick a winner in the fresh vs dried herbs battle, I would go with dried herbs. As a budget-minded cook, their shelf life is a big deal. Their higher intensity means I don’t have to use as much, further helping their budgetary advantage.
That’s my pick, what’s yours? Experiment! Try both and see what you prefer. Food experiments are the best experiments because you get to eat the results! So get out there and start cooking!
