5 types of herbs and vegetables to grow for Asian dishes

Known for its delicious taste, Asian cuisine is becoming popular with many people around the world today. What makes them so unique are above all the interesting types of vegetables and herbs which, in the right combination, make the dishes unforgettable, tasty and nutritious. Therefore, if you often cook Asian food, it is very useful to always have some on hand. The good thing is that cultivation is not complicated. Here are 5 types of vegetables and herbs commonly used in Asian cooking that you can easily grow at home.

Asian cooking is much easier when the right herbs and vegetables are always within reach

These 5 herbs and vegetables will give your dishes a typical Asian flavor

Cooking Asian style: 5 herbs and vegetables you could grow at home

There are so many herbs and vegetables used in Asian cooking that it’s almost impossible to compile a complete list, but the following are some of the world’s most popular:

#1. coriander

Each Asian region determines the predominant aromas and herbs. But there are many cross-cultural uses of the same herb, such as cilantro (did you know this plant is also known as Chinese parsley?). Coriander is easy to grow and propagate at home. You just need to collect some seeds and you can easily get a new free plant.

Coriander is a spice obtained from the round, tawny seeds of the coriander plant. It is most commonly used in soups, salsas, curries and masalas. The leaves are usually used whole and the seeds dried or ground. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering as this herb does not like wet conditions.

Avoid such extremely dry conditions as they will cause cilantro to sprout (or flower) prematurely

#2. Thai basil

Thai basil, too Horafa is an ornamental, aromatic plant with purple stems and blade-like green leaves that are more muted than the large, glossy green leaves of common basil. This basil variety is similar to European sweet basil in many ways, but has a lighter flavor and can be used in slow-cooker recipes without losing potency. Thai basil can also replace regular basil in any dish, bringing deeper flavors to pizza sauce and pesto. Because it is such a plentiful plant, it also makes a great side dish or ingredient in stir-fries.

Plant Thai basil in a sunny spot, being careful not to overwater it. Start gathering the leaves from the top. In this way, the herb will grow into a lush leafy shrub.

Follow this tip to harvest more basil

#3. lemongrass

Lemongrass is a wonderfully flavored bushy plant that is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is an aromatic herb that grows in dense clumps and has multiple stiff stems and thin, blade-like leaves that taper towards the tips. Lemongrass has an intense citrus flavor and fibrous texture, making it a perfect spice for savory Asian (and not only) dishes. It can be grown in soil or in a pot and should produce a harvest in about three months. This plant needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil rich in nutrients.

Lemongrass is used in sauces, salads, soups, stir-fries, pickles and Thai curry pastes

#4. Kaffir Lime Leaves

Kaffir lime leaves, also known as makrut lime leaves, come from an aromatic plant that’s a must-have ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes. The kaffir lime can be recognized by its shiny, dark green leaves that look like they are growing apart. The herb is used both fresh and dried in a variety of dishes. Its distinctive leaves, when crushed, release aromatic oils that exude an intense citrus aroma.

Kaffir lime leaves store well in the freezer

#5. Thai mint

This aromatic plant, in Thailand Saranae called, is the most delicious, sweetest and most intense member of the mint family. Its leaves are hairless and have a smaller, more rounded shape compared to those of common mint. Thai mint is incredibly easy to grow. Plant them in a pot or in a dedicated part of your garden to allow them to spread and. Make sure she gets enough water and sun.

Thai mint has many uses in Asian cuisine. It can be picked, washed and added to various salads, including coleslaw and potato salad. The plant can also complement soups, omelets, and stir-fries, replacing regular mint in all dishes, such as mint sauce and mint tea.

You can find Thai mint seeds online or at some nurseries