Herbes de Provence offers health benefits

Commonly called as Provençal herbs- Herbes de Provence is a fusion of dried herb. This is a traditional form of herbal mixture, which was invented in hilly regions of Southern France. This mixture is generally prepared during hot summers. Herbes de Provence can also include fresh herbs. The classic ingredients that are used in this mixture are basil, lavender flowers, fennel, thyme, and savory. Apart from these ingredients even herbs such as bay leaf, oregano, rosemary, mint, marjoram, chervil, and tarragon are also used in the mixture.

Sometimes orange flavor is added as substitute to lavender flowers. Usually, lavender flowers were added to attract the tourist. The field of lavender flowers was a center of attraction for tourist. According to them, the flowers of lavender represented it is as symbol for Provence region. Even though it was not traditionally recommended, lavender flowers add charm to the mixture. The proportion of herbs in the mixture varies with every manufacturer. Generally, thyme herb dominates the taste.

This mixture is added to different kind of cuisines. This mixture is used to flavor grilled food items. Grilled meats and grilled veggie stews taste much yummy due to this mixture. You may add herbes de Provence to foods while cooking or prior to cooking. It can also be clubbed with cooking oil before adding vegetables and other material. In this kind of cooking the herbs properly infuse with vegetables. This mixture is very rarely added to food after cooking. They are added to any kind of cuisines, but mostly they are added to Mediterranean cuisines. It mixes well with olive oil to marinate fish, tomatoes, and small potatoes. They are widely used to flavor salads, soups, and sauces. The powdered form of this mixture can be sprinkled on salads and pizzas. It can also be added to different pasta sauces and cheese.

The Provencal cuisine usually uses various herbs that are characterized as herbes de Provence. They are not mixed in the standard combination and are not even sold. Herbes de Provence is usually sold in bigger bags compared to other herbs. The price in Provence is also reasonable compared to other herbs.

Herbes de Provence is generally sold in traditional terracotta jars which make both an attractive gift and effectual storage container. The herbs included in this mixture not only has pleasant aroma, but also is also rich in nutritional values. Every herb has some or other health benefits.

• Lavender flowers:
  Relaxes stressed muscles, induces sound sleep, and improves nervous system
• Basil:
  A Natural cleanser- possesses- antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. It is highly valued for medicinal purpose.
• Thyme:
  It possesses the properties of anti-septic and anti-biotic. An amazing remedy to cure bronchitis and sore throat
• Bay leaf:
  A powerful astringent that is useful to treat upset stomach and fungal infection
• Mint:
  traditionally used to cure upset stomach and chest pain. The consumption of this herb also relieves you from stomach cramps.
• Rosemary:
  Rosemary herb is rich source of iron, vitamin B6, and calcium. The intake of this herb relieves you from excessive stress. It soothes your stressed nervous system.
• Fennel:
  Due to carminative properties, it is an excellent herb for disturbed intestinal tract. It also improves your eye sight and effective remedy for cough.
• Chervil:
  This herb is an excellent cleanser for skin. It also purifies blood and thus improves the blood circulation.

It is not essential to large bags of herbes de Provence. You can prepare this mixture even at home. In fact all these herbs can be very easily grown in our garden. Thus, you can easily get this herb. Dry them and mix them in proper proportion. Add them to your desired delicacies. Enjoy the nutritional food with amazing taste and aroma.