Herbs A-Z

Good Quality Herbs

They should look, taste, and smell exactly as they do when they are fresh. Here are some guidelines:

1. Color: Dried herbs should remain almost the same color as they are when they are fresh. Leaves should be vivid, rich green and blossoms should be colorful. You may not know what the herb is like in its fresh state but you'll develop a knack for knowing once you've worked with herbs for a while.
   
2. Scent: Herbs have distinctive odors. They should smell "strong" and not necessarily "good". Valerian for example smells kind of like dirty socks. Good quality valerian will smell like really dirty socks! Some herbs smell "green" and some like peppermint have that "minty" smell. All odors should be quite notable.
3. Taste: Herbs should have a distinctive taste. You may not necessarily like the flavor, but you will need to judge the potency and freshness of the herb rather than the flavor. Is the tea distinctive and strong?
4. Effect: Most teas and extracts made from quality herbs and used properly will have a nutritive effect.