Herbs and spices are a simple way to add flavor while supporting healthy eating. Whether you grow them in your garden or purchase them locally, herbs can transform everyday meals with vibrant flavors, aromas, and colors. Learning how to select, store, and use them properly can feel overwhelming for beginners, but understanding a few basic principles can help you explore new taste profiles and take advantage of the antioxidant compounds naturally found in many herbs and spices.
In addition to enhancing flavor, herbs and spices can help reduce the need for salt, fat, and added sugar in recipes. A sprinkle of fresh basil to pasta, rosemary to roasted potatoes, or parsley to soups can elevate simple dishes without adding extra calories. If you are trying to cut back on sugar, ingredients such as cinnamon or vanilla can naturally enhance sweetness while adding depth of flavor.
Learn how to make the most of these flavorful ingredients by attending Culinary Herbs 101 on Tuesday, June 9, from 1–3 p.m. at Midwest Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Galena, IL.
During the first half of the class, participants will learn practical tips for selecting, storing, and preserving herbs so they can be enjoyed year-round. The second half will focus on how to use herbs and spices effectively in cooking, including how much to add to enhance a dish without overpowering it and how these ingredients can support healthier cooking habits. Participants will also enjoy tasty samples and receive recipes to try at home.
To register for Culinary Herbs 101, call the Extension office at (815) 858-2273 or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw. There is a $5.00 fee for this program, which includes all educational materials. Pre-registration is requested. We hope to see you there, come for the knowledge, stay for the connection!
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call (815) 858-2273.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.