Healthy Cooking: Building Big Flavor with Herbs and Citrus

Notes

The aromatic compounds in herbs and the essential oils in citrus peel are volatile, meaning they can quickly dissipate with prolonged heat or improper storage. This is why timing is crucial when incorporating these ingredients into your dishes. To avoid common mistakes, always add delicate herbs like cilantro or basil after cooking, while hardier ones like rosemary can withstand longer cooking times. When zesting citrus, be sure to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the colored peel. For storage, homemade blends can last up to a month in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Make-ahead tip: Citrus segments and herb mixtures can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge, ready to be added to dishes just before serving.

Steps

1. 1 Select fresh herbs with vibrant colors and firm leaves.
2. 2 Choose citrus fruits that feel heavy for their size with smooth, unblemished skin.
3. 3 Store herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel, and keep citrus at room temperature for optimal flavor.
4. 4 To chiffonade herbs like basil or mint, stack leaves, roll tightly, then slice thinly across the roll.
5. 5 Zest citrus fruits before juicing to capture the flavorful oils in the peel.
6. 6 Supreme citrus fruits by slicing off the top and bottom, then following the contour of the fruit to remove the peel and pith.
7. 7 Segment the fruit by slicing between the membranes to release each juicy segment.
8. 8 Incorporate herbs and citrus zest at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors.
9. 9 Add freshly squeezed citrus juice to dishes during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain brightness.
10. 10 Experiment with pairing herbs like thyme with lemon, or cilantro with lime, to enhance complementary flavors.
11. 11 Use citrus-infused oils or herb-infused vinegars as a finishing touch to salads or grilled vegetables.
12. 12 Taste and adjust seasoning after adding herbs and citrus, as their flavors can accentuate or balance existing tastes.
13. 13 Experiment with drying your own herbs to use in dishes when fresh ones are not available.
14. 14 Create homemade herb and citrus blends to sprinkle over proteins or vegetables before roasting.