A mixture of Provence herbs can be bought at any supermarket. Many people love these seasonings, they are in demand in cooking. Improving the aroma and taste of dishes, Provencal spices make them special, piquant and unusual. The mixture is easy to prepare and do it yourself. About what Provencal herbs are - composition, proportions, what is included in them and in what dishes they are most appropriate - further on this page "Popular about health" in the article.

What is in Provence herbs?

For the first time, seasoning began to be used in South-East France, namely in Provence, from there the name came from. Initially, the composition of Provence herbs looked like this:

Basil
thyme or thyme
Sage
Rosemary
oregano
Marjoram
Mint

From this list, the main and mandatory components are thyme, marjoram and rosemary. It is they who create a unique bouquet of flavors when using seasonings in dishes. In exclusively provence recipe there is also lavender, due to its aroma is so enriched that it is impossible to repeat it with any other spice. It is due to lavender that dishes acquire the aroma of the sea and the southern coast of France.

The stores sell ready-made mixtures of Provencal spices. Each of the herbs that make up their composition has unique useful properties and is considered curative. Therefore, they are used in cooking not only to improve the taste, but also for health.

Rosemary is an aromatic spice with a bitter taste and a resinous aroma. Ideally, use the fresh leaves of the plant, but this is a very strong spice. Add a small amount when preparing the Provence mixture, otherwise the dishes will be bitter. Rosemary improves appetite and the digestive process. It is a natural disinfectant and tonic.

Marjoram - has a burning taste. It has long been considered a medicinal plant and is considered an assistant to the digestive system.

Thyme is a spice with a fragrant aroma, an essential component french cuisine. The addition of thyme has a tonic and warming effect. The use of this herb helps to strengthen hair, calm down after stress, restore strength and energy. And it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Basil is a spice that contains vitamins PP and C, strengthens the immune system, helps fight respiratory infections and. Once in the mouth, basil has a disinfectant effect and kills bacteria.

Oregano is in our nature. It has a choleretic effect, so it is added carefully if there are contraindications and. Oregano well calms the nervous system, serves as a prevention of respiratory diseases.

Mint - as for this plant, it is known for both aroma and calming effect. Adding it to dishes will relieve headaches, eliminate stomach upset, and cure insomnia.

Sage - it is believed that it has a unique rejuvenating property. It cures frigidity,. It soothes with, prevents the formation of fungal diseases.

Provencal herbs do not combine with all products in a row. They are good to use with lamb and pork meat, fatty fish and poultry. Provencal spices are added to potatoes when baking, as well as to vegetable or legume stews. Baking and even bread are also distinguished by an amazing aroma, in the dough of which a small pinch of these spices is added.

If you want to give your lunch menu a touch of sophistication and Mediterranean piquancy, be sure to use Provence herbs.

Provencal herbs - proportions for cooking at home

It is not necessary to use absolutely all herbs from the proposed list. If you don't like a plant, its smell or taste, you can not add it at all. As for the proportions, according to the recipe, all herbs are taken in equal proportions. If you want to emphasize some note, you can add more of one or another component. In any case, the base is a marjoram-rosemary-thyme mixture.

The mixture also includes edible salt. Its quantity should not exceed a third of the total weight of all prepared and chopped herbs.

We grind all the herbs, using both dry and freshly picked. Mix evenly with salt. Pour the resulting composition into a dry container and close the lid so that the aroma does not disappear. Store no more than six months.

The composition of herbs for the Provence mixture cannot be called strict and unambiguous. Each cook or hostess is guided by his taste preferences, as well as the wishes of those for whom the dishes are prepared. Do not rush to say that you do not like the Provence mixture. Perhaps by removing any component, you will achieve an optimal and pleasant combination for yourself.

Often in the description of many recipes you can find the phrase "add Provencal herbs to taste." Many people ask the question - what are Provence herbs, and what is included in this spice? Provencal herbs have become so popular today that on store shelves you can find several bags of this seasoning from different manufacturers at once, with recipes and recommendations for use in your favorite dishes.

Composition of provencal herbs

Herbes de Provence is a specially selected blend of aromatic herbs that includes herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, savory, marjoram, oregano and peppermint. Their combination is just perfect in aroma and taste to many familiar dishes, filling them with a new taste and unsurpassed aroma. Provence herbs are called so, from the name of the French province of Provence, where spicy herbs, which are part of the Provence mixture, have long been grown and mixed.

Useful properties of Provence herbs

Even fatty meat will become much tastier and healthier if seasoned with Provence herbs, as the properties of this spice are in large quantities. useful substances which will be a great addition to your favorite dishes. Provence herbs contain active substances such as organic resins, enzymes, vitamins and essential oils, as well as tannins and mineral components. They increase appetite and improve digestion, and for those who are on a salt-free diet, Provence herbs are the first assistant in the kitchen in cooking. various dishes. Dishes without salt are rather bland, and it is the mixture of Provence herbs that can fill them with new flavors and aromas.

How to use herbes de provence in cooking

Herbs de Provence are an absolutely versatile seasoning, and their use in cooking will make all your dishes tasty and fragrant. Its spicy-spicy taste is ideally combined with meat dishes, fish dishes and delicious meals from poultry meat, as well as with vegetables and cereals.

Provencal herbs are a spice that will turn your favorite dishes of Italian, French and even Ukrainian cuisine into real culinary masterpieces, because this mixture of herbs goes well with garlic, onions and others. traditional spices national cuisines peace. Perfectly Provence herbs complement the taste of the bird and fish cakes. And if you rub ordinary chicken breasts garlic and Provencal herbs, olive oil and baked in the oven, you can get a haute French cuisine dish "chicken in Provence".

The taste of long-favorite and familiar dishes will sparkle in a new way if you add a pinch of Provence herbs during the cooking process. For example, your favorite braised cabbage will become a real culinary masterpiece if you add a little Provence herbs 20 minutes before the end of cooking.

Provence herbs can be prepared independently if you buy all the herbs separately and grind them in a mill with the addition of salt. Store Provence herbs in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container.

Food plays an important role not only for health, but also for the soul, so food should be enjoyable, balanced and tasty. And seasonings for dishes are most directly related to improving the taste and aroma of food. For the first time, a combination of fragrant plants was used by French chefs. For cooking, they began to use aromatic herbs grown in the province of Provence, hence the name Provencal herbs. I hope that you will be interested to know what is included in the composition, what are the proportions of herbs and for which dishes this seasoning is simply necessary.

Gourmets say that for the full spectrum of taste qualities, six flavors must be present: sweet, bitter, salty, pungent, sour, and astringent.

The seasoning that I will talk about is characterized by the fact that it has all the necessary components, it is this fact that expands the range of applications. Seasoning enriches the taste of many dishes, goes well with all kinds of meat, fish, beef, pork, lamb. It is added to stir-fry chopped meat, fried potatoes, are used for baking various vegetables and meat products.

Provence herbs are used as an additive in meat and vegetable salads, put in sauces, sprinkle omelettes, scrambled eggs. Seasoning perfectly improves the taste of first courses, it is added during the preparation of soups and broths, put in savory pastries, for example, when kneading dough for making bread, or sprinkled on pizza before baking.

What is included in Provence herbs and proportions

Provence herbs were first heard at the end of the 20th century as a result of culinary experiments by French chefs. Mandatory components of this seasoning are basil, marjoram and rosemary, the rest can be added at will and preference. Let's consider in more detail what herbs are included in the composition:

  • Basil originated from India and Iran, grown for over a thousand years, leaves are used in the mixture. gives a little pleasant sharpness and of course saturates the dishes with wonderful feelings - love and devotion, like a medicine, helps with colds, cleanses the blood and mind;
  • Marjoram originated on the lands of North Africa two thousand years ago, in recipes leaves and dried buds are used. It gives dishes a spicy aroma with hints of camphor; it is used as a medicine for indigestion;
  • Rosemary appeared in the Mediterranean several thousand years ago. For seasoning, leaves are used, which give a bitter taste, perfectly complement meat and poultry dishes. Medicinal properties are that rosemary helps in the treatment of liver, asthma, colds;

  • thyme or appeared on tropical lands since time immemorial, leaflets are used in the mixture. They give dishes a sharp-bitter taste, as a medicine is used for nervous disorders;
  • Fennel- the closest relative of the well-known dill, otherwise it is called pharmacy dill. It has a sweet smell, reminiscent of the smell of anise. It has a beneficial effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Tarragon or tarragon increases appetite, has an unusual smell and taste, has a sharp, slightly spicy aroma. He came to us from the countries of Asia Minor;
  • Oregano or oregano about originated from England over 2,000 years ago. For the body, it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and helps to eliminate toxins;
  • laurel foxt has spicy taste and aroma. Read more about bay leaf.
  • lemon zest - this is the outer colored layer of the fruit, has a bitter-sweet fruity aroma, slightly sugary taste;
  • Sage appeared from southern Europe and the Mediterranean more than two hundred years ago. Perfectly complements dishes from fish, vegetables, as a healing agent is used for pulmonary insufficiency, is an excellent anti-aging agent;
  • Peppermint originated in England around the 17th century as a result of pollination of wild herbs. For seasoning, leaves collected in the budding phase are used, it gives spiciness and astringency to dishes. As it helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Dill came to us from Central Asia and North Africa, has a calming effect and has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. gives dishes a fresh warm-spicy aroma.;
  • lavender flowers have a slightly cooling effect and add spice to sauces, salads, meat and fish dishes. This plant appeared in the Mediterranean more than 2 thousand years ago. Lavender has a whole range of useful qualities and it helps to cure 167 diseases, a good antibiotic and antiseptic.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

Each herb individually has a large amount healing properties, collected together properties are only enhanced and complemented.

Some experts do not think cooking without seasonings and spices. As mentioned above, Provencal herbs originated from the distant province of Provence, however, these plants can be easily grown in our country. A mixture of these plants perfectly complements the dishes, and also improves the emotional state.

I would like to emphasize that Provence herbs contain a large amount of vitamins and useful trace elements. It contains - mineral salts, aromatic oils, organic acids, enzymes, tannins, resins. Regular use has a healing effect:

  • Improving the functioning of the digestive system;
  • Weight loss;
  • Calming effect.

Provence herbs are an environmentally friendly product and are excellent in taste for all dishes (sauce, salads, cold and hot).

The spice has no special contraindications, but still, the person using the mixture for cooking should know the composition and, if there is some incompatibility with the plants that make up the composition, one should stop using it. Experts recommend using the seasoning with caution for people with hypertension and thrombophlebitis. For women who are in an interesting position and breastfeeding, you should also not use Provence herbs.

It is worth noting that excessive use of this seasoning can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Follow the norm and enjoy the harmony of the taste of cooked dishes.

Provencal herbs - proportions for cooking at home

Let's immediately note that the name of the seasoning was formed as a result of the work of French culinary specialists, but this does not mean at all that preparing this mixture will be problematic. All of the above herbs included in the composition can be grown independently and, accordingly, it will not be difficult to prepare a seasoning. Let's take a closer look at the technology of cooking at home:

  • Prepare herbs in dry form in accordance with the composition;
  • Grind the substrate;
  • Add components in equal parts. If you prefer some kind of taste, then it is possible to slightly increase the amount, about 2 times;
  • The prepared mixture should be poured into a dry container, covered with a lid and stored for about six months.

Provence herbs perfectly retain their healing qualities even when dry, and storage for 6 months gives the seasoning sophistication and a unique taste.

The advantage of seasoning is that you yourself can create a mixture that is perfect for you, because it is not necessary to add all the plants, some can be excluded. Do not forget one thing - the basis is three herbs - rosemary, marjoram and thyme.

There are no certain proportions, it is enough to add all the herbs in equal amounts, you can keep the proportions in spoons or in grams, slightly increasing the rate of your favorite components.

Let's share a little advice on the use of seasoning: before adding to dishes, Provence herbs should be slightly warmed up in a pan, this will enhance the taste and emphasize sophistication.

Where Provencal herbs are added - recipes for use

To date, recipes with Provence herbs are gaining an army of fans.

Imagine a recipe olive oil with seasoning:

  • take one part of the crushed dry parts of oregano, rosemary and lavender flowers;
  • two parts each of basil, thyme, marjoram, peppermint and sage;
  • mix with 1 liter of olive oil.

The resulting product will perfectly complement your dishes and give a sharp - spicy shade.

The following recipe was borrowed from famous French chefs. We present a recipe for cooking potatoes with Provence herbs, the advantage of such a dish is the incomparable taste and speed of preparation.

  • Cream - 300 milliliters;
  • Lavrushka - three leaves;
  • Two cloves of garlic;
  • Butter - 50 grams;
  • Peeled potatoes, cut into circles - 1 kilogram;
  • Half a glass of grated parmesan;
  • Seasoning and salt to taste.

Heat cream, small garlic, bay leaves and herbs, grease a baking sheet with oil. Put the potatoes, pour over the heated mixture, mix, sprinkle with cheese, cover with foil and bake in the oven at a temperature of 205 degrees. It will take about 40 minutes to prepare.

Consider the recipe for cooking chicken with Provence herbs, this will require:

  • Chicken carcass, wings and fatty layers should be cut off;
  • Salt, black pepper;
  • Shallot head, cut into rings;
  • chopped lemon zest;
  • Three tablespoons of olive oil;
  • a tablespoon of honey;
  • Seasoning to taste.

Chicken meat is salted, peppered, herbs and zest are added, greased with oil. Anoint the carcass with honey and butter and bake for 40 minutes, until a crust appears. Periodically, the chicken should be watered with juice from the brazier.

The recipe for making buns, for this you should prepare the following ingredients:

  • Flour - 600 grams;
  • Warm water - 350 milliliters;
  • a teaspoon of dry yeast;
  • Sugar - 20 grams;
  • Olive oil - 8 table. spoons;
  • Three tablespoons of Provence herbs and a pinch of salt.

Dissolve salt, yeast and sugar in warm water, add flour passed through a sieve. Pour in the oil and knead the dough, it should turn out elastic. Lubricate the surface of the dough with oil, let stand for 3 hours. Roll out the dough with a layer of 0.5 centimeters, grease with oil, sprinkle with seasoning, roll up the roll. Divide the roll into buns, put on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Enjoy your meal!

Dear readers, today we learned how extensive the range of applications of this wonderful and most importantly useful seasoning is. We hope that the advice will be useful, listen to your body, please and take care. Be healthy!

It is enough to say the phrase "herbs of Provence" - and the imagination draws rich plantations of the southeastern French region called Provence, filled with aromas of thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, thyme, peppermint, marjoram and oregano. This mixture of herbs is popular all over the world not only for its exquisite aroma and unsurpassed flavor combination, which gives a unique taste to any dish, but also due to the healing properties of plants.

Provencal herbs, whose composition is rich and diverse, have a positive effect on digestion processes, contain a large amount of tannins and unique essential oils. Organic acids, resins, enzymes, vitamins and minerals are what these spices contain. The positive properties of the mixture of Provence herbs can be listed for a long time, let's consider what kind of useful plants are included in its composition and how they affect the human body.

For example, rosemary strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves cerebral circulation, memory and vision. It perfectly tones and soothes pain.

Basil contains vitamins C, PP and B2, improves immunity, it is often used for colds and various types of respiratory diseases. Few people know that basil is considered a real thunderstorm for bacteria that cause cavities and

Included in Provencal strengthens the work of the intestines and has a choleretic effect, so it is good to drink it for those who have problems with the gastrointestinal system.

Oregano tea has a calming effect. This fragrant herb is useful in the fight against colds and for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Such Provence herbs, like marjoram, are truly considered a source of health, youthful beauty. They are recommended to be eaten by people suffering from headaches, insomnia, indigestion. These work great healing herbs with respiratory infections.

Thyme, rich in fiber and minerals, will restore energy better than any tonic drink, positively reflecting on the emotional background of a person. This plant has a truly diverse purpose. It is used as an antihelminthic, expectorant, anticonvulsant. And in cosmetology, with its help, they perfectly strengthen hair.

Savory garden and sage - those useful herbs that will be indispensable for bloating and increased gas formation. They will quickly eliminate and in general will be useful in the treatment and prevention of many diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Sage is especially valued by women for the fact that it contains female phytohormones, so that those who regularly eat it are not afraid of frigidity. It has anti-aging properties, keeps the mind and memory clear, reduces sweat, helps with high blood pressure, with psoriasis. In addition, sage is an excellent antiseptic, so it will be useful to anyone who wants to remove the fungus from the skin.

Herbes de Provence is an indispensable mixture for people who adhere to it, as the bright taste of the plants that make up it will help compensate for the lack of salt in dishes. And if you wish, you can get a wonderful healthy and fragrant oil if you insist on a mixture of these wonderful plants.

Provencal herbs are a generous gift of nature. However, this world-famous seasoning, which has medicinal properties there are contraindications. First of all, these include the period of pregnancy and the time when the mother is breastfeeding, as some of the herbs can affect the taste of milk, making it bitter and tasteless. Basil, which is part of a mixture of Provence herbs, is contraindicated in hypertension and thrombophlebitis, mint in hypotension, rosemary should not be seasoned with dishes for those who have a tendency to convulsions.

Any everyday dish gets new taste if you add some spices to it. This trick is known and used by many housewives. The most popular variety of such additives are "Provencal herbs". Their composition is distinguished by a large number of components that represent a harmonious balance that gives any product a unique taste and aroma.

From the history of "Provencal herbs"

Spices "Provencal herbs" got their name from the region of the same name in France, Provence. Very rich forbs grow in these places, which is associated with excellent climatic and natural conditions. Under the hot sun of the south of Europe, graceful rosemary, blooming lilac flashes of sage, miniature marjoram, bitter oregano, peppermint, savory, fragrant thyme and basil stretch to the sky. Only eight components make up an amazing fragrant bouquet that can emphasize the taste of meat, fish and salads. It is generally accepted that the "Provencal herbs", the composition of which was indicated above, were first used in cooking in this French region. The seasoning received recognition back in the 17th century; dishes with such an additive were eaten exclusively by representatives of the nobility. In addition, Provence herbs endowed with unusual power, many French considered them a powerful aphrodisiac, so the dishes in which they were contained were customarily served at wedding feasts.

Useful properties of French seasonings

Knowing what is included in the "Provencal herbs", you can talk about their benefits to the human body. Completely natural plant components contain a huge amount of vitamins and components necessary for life. So, French seasoning contains:

  • vitamins of groups A and C;
  • organic acids;
  • tannins;
  • essential oils.

Unusual use of "Provencal herbs"

"Provencal herbs", the composition of which is diverse and unique, contribute to:

  • increased appetite and activation of the metabolic process in the body;
  • normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • weight loss, as they can replace salt (this property is actively used in many diets).

Useful information about some of the ingredients of the seasoning

Seasoning "Provencal herbs", the composition of which is constant, does not require any strict proportions. You can use more than one or the other component, depending on your own preferences. Let's talk more about some of them.

Rosemary is an amazingly useful herb, the properties of which were discovered by the ancient Greeks. It helps to strengthen the heart, blood vessels, normalize the functioning of the stomach, increase potency, reduce pain, as well as prevent heart attacks and cancer. The plant can be freely eaten, as it has almost no contraindications, the only exception can be individual intolerance.

There are about 900 different varieties of the amazing sage plant, unfortunately, not every one of them can be used in traditional medicine, but almost all can be used in cooking. Some varieties are used not only as a seasoning, but also as a means to combat nervous disorders, colds, all kinds of inflammations. Sage is considered to be the best friend of women, as it is actively used to treat infertility, as well as menopause. It must be remembered that this plant should not be used during pregnancy.

What other components are included in the Provence herbs seasoning? The composition must be supplemented with savory. This herb is often confused with the more famous thyme, but these are completely different representatives of the flora world. Savory has a rather pungent taste and is a real analogue of pepper. In cooking, it is often used in its pure form to improve the palatability of meat or potato dishes. In some countries, tea is made on its basis, which does an excellent job with worms and improves appetite.

Contraindications to the use of "Provencal herbs"

A mixture of Provence herbs can improve the taste of any dish. The composition of the seasoning includes many components that have a number of contraindications. So, limit the use of such additives during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. In addition, certain herbs are contraindicated in persons suffering from:

What are Provencal herbs suitable for?

How to make seasoning "Provencal herbs" with your own hands? You can pre-chop and dry herbs, or you can use them fresh, as they do in France. In any case, they will be amazingly good. Such an additive is often used with the first hot dishes, that is, soups or broths. Seasonings and as part of a variety of sauces will not be superfluous. Using this solution, you do not have to add "Provencal herbs" to the main dish. However, it is worth noting right away that such seasonings go well with meat, especially when it comes to beef or veal. They can be added to minced meat, when baking or marinating. An ideal salad dressing can be a mixture of Provence herbs and olive oil, dishes with it may well claim to be dietary. Seasoning goes well with various varieties fish, as well as chicken.

Provence herbs and salmon

Here are some simple and healthy recipes, an obligatory component of which is the seasoning "Provencal herbs".

It will be easiest to prepare delicious fish. This will require components such as:

  • salmon fillet - 2 pcs.;
  • half a leek head;
  • fresh sorrel - one bunch;
  • about 60 ml. medium fat cream;
  • oil for frying;
  • "Provencal herbs" and salt;
  • fresh herbs or lemon (used for decorative purposes).

Finely chop the onion and fry it in a small amount butter, after a couple of minutes, chopped sorrel will also need to be added to the pan. The specified mixture is simmered on fire for another 2-3 minutes, and then mixed with cream. After a couple of minutes, the excellent sauce will be ready. In parallel, it is necessary to marinate the fish steaks. To do this, they are abundantly sprinkled and rubbed with Provence herbs, so that the salmon is literally saturated with an amazing aroma and absorbs all the sharpness. After that, the fillet is fried and served with a pre-prepared sauce. If necessary, the dish can be peppered.

flavored pork recipe

Herbes de Provence is perfect for pork. Below is a very simple recipe hearty meal with excellent taste. Despite the fact that the meat takes a long time to cook, you do not have to spend a lot of time at the stove. So, you need to prepare in advance:

  • boneless pork - 2 kg;
  • olive oil - 5 tablespoons;
  • "Provencal herbs" - 3 tablespoons;
  • salt and pepper - to taste;
  • garlic - 5 cloves.

Make several cuts in the meat and place the garlic cloves in them. Prepare a mixture of oil, herbs, salt and pepper, coat the entire pulp with the resulting composition and wrap it in foil. After that, the pork should be sent to the oven. It is necessary to observe the following conditions, temperature - 180 degrees, time - 90 minutes. At the end, the foil should be removed a little or a couple of cuts should be made so that the liquid begins to actively evaporate. It is believed that another quarter of an hour is enough for this.