Fresh Herb Questions

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

I Have a question regarding using fresh herd vs. dried.

Do you generally need more of the fresh than the amount you would use if using dry herbs?

I made Shrimp Scampi the other night and used fresh oregano and parsley instead of the dried and I felt I could have used 3 times the amount I did.

What is everyones take on this?

By the way: The only herb I feel that can be overdone is that Cilantro, I actually had my 8 yr. old gag on a bite the last time I used it in a salad and I certainly could understand it was over powering!

 

[jglass]

Yeah the dried are more concentrated in flavor than fresh. Always add more when using fresh.

 

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thanks Janie!

 

[jglass]

Dried is ok in most..I like them ok except for basil. I dont think it tastes the same at all when its dried. I much prefer it fresh.

 

[KYHeirloomer]

The rule of thumb, Cathy, is that there's a 3:1 ratio of fresh to dried. So it the recipe calls, say, for a teaspoon of dried thyme, you'd use a tablespoon of the fresh for the same effect.

 

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thank You, I Was So Disappointed With The Outcome Of The Scampi, I Felt Like I Should Have Made My Moroccan Shrimp Instead After I Tasted The Scampi!

 

[Mama Mangia]

I made Shrimp Scampi the other night and used fresh oregano and parsley instead of the dried and I felt I could have used 3 times the amount I did.



Should have followed your taste buds on this one - you were right - 3:1.

I love to cook with fresh herbs - and when I dry them - it seems like I need a ton more to fill my jar. But then again - I don't use small jars anyway. So I just need a bigger and bigger herb garden each year. And with making all my own spice/herb mixes I think I am going to need an herb farm soon!

 

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

That is funny Mama, and herb farm would be fun though!

Thanks for the confirm of what I should have already known!!!