Whether you have a green thumb or not, some plants thrive in the apartment lifestyle. Herbs are the best option, especially since recipes that require them usually require a small portion of the plants. Buying these plants is only a couple more dollars than buying them prepacked and picked. Here are some of the most practical, low-maintenance plants that have benefits in the kitchen!
Basil
Fresh basil has numerous benefits that dried and essential oil versions don’t have. When the leaves dry out, they lose most of their benefits. Stress relief, heart disease prevention, and blood sugar regulation are just a few of the benefits. Basil is also rich in nutrients, like Vitamins A and K, magnesium, and iron. Italian cuisine commonly uses basil in its recipes. Basil also makes for a fancy mocktail or can be paired with fruits or desserts. Here are some easy recipes using basil:
- Pesto
- Strawberry basil sparkling mocktail
- Watermelon basil salad
- Caprese salad
- Rich basil pasta sauce
Mint
Whether it’s tea or toothpaste, mint has one of the widest ranges of benefits beyond cooking, like relieving indigestion, aiding weight loss, and improving brain power. Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium are all found in mint. It has a refreshing taste and pairs well with ingredients in lighter recipes. Here are some easy recipes to make in your apartment using basil:
- “No-jito” mocktail
- Mint julep mocktail
- Feta mint dip
- Marinated beets and feta salad
- Mint chocolate cupcakes
Parlsey
Parsley can benfit your eye and bone health due to its rich nutrients. It is also known for its high levels of Vitamin K prevents blood clotting. Whether is in sauces, seasonings, or just adds a garnish, parsley elevates the flavor of a dish with a peppery, earthy flavor. Here are some recipes using parsley:
- Parsley pesto
- Chicken piccata with lemon sauce
- Spinach parsley pesto garlic bread
- 15-minute Mediterranean parsley salad
- Best classic potato salad
Cilantro
This refreshing herb is commonly used in Mexican dishes, like guacamole. However, if you do not like basil, likely, you will not like cilantro. Some taste a soapy flavor because of their genetics and the high amount of aldehydes. However, for those who don’t have a sensitivity to the aldehydes, cilantro is a great addition to add a level or freshness to a fitting dish. Here are some recipes using cilantro:
- Guacamole
- Mexican street corn dip
- Salsa
- Flank steak with chimichurri sauce
- Easy cilantro lime chicken
Thyme
Thyme adds a savory flavor to vegetables, soups, and breads. Benefits of thyme used in and/or outside of the kitchen include boosting immunity, fighting acne, and lowering blood pressure. Thyme also makes a beautiful garnish for mocktails! Here are some recipes using thyme:
- Chopped salad recipe with lemon thyme dressing
- Oven herb roasted potatoes
- Cheddar olive thyme bread
- Garlic-thyme marinated steaks
- Paloma mocktail
Make sure that your herbs have a space where they can soak up a little sunshine. When buying a planter, check that there are holes on the bottom for the excess water to drain. If you are keeping the plants inside, some planters come with a hole in the bottom of the pot and an additional tray, attached or detached, to collect the excess water.
These useful and healthful plants make the perfect addition to your kitchen or your patio. Have fun making your dishes and mocktails!
