Types of Herbs

• There are several different types of herbs, including basil, oregano, thyme, dill, cumin, marjoram, tarragon, rosemary and peppermint.
  
  

Most Nutritious Herbs

• While all herbs have some nutritional value, there are several herbs that top the rest. Oregano, sage, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm and marjoram are all high in antioxidants, proving great sources of nutrition.
  
  

Fresh Herbs

• Directly from a garden or local produce market, fresh herbs provide a fresh taste and valuable nutrition. Volatile oils and flavonoids, beneficial to health, are still present in the herbs. Fresh herbs tend to have more robust flavor.
  
  

Dried Herbs

• Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so use them in a 1:3 ratio when substituting for fresh herbs. While they still provide the flavor of the herbs, the flavor is less robust and more bland.
  
  

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

• Since the components are the same for fresh and dried herbs, there is no major difference in nutritional value. However, the drying process extracts some of the volatile oils from herbs, eliminating a small portion of the nutrition and flavor present in fresh herbs. Commercially produced dried herbs may also have some preservatives, which detracts from their nutritional value.