Using Fresh Herbs

Spring and summer bring us fresh herbs, snipped from our own kitchen gardens or purchased from the local growers who sell to our co-ops. Here are some of the most popular fresh culinary herbs: Sweet Basil. Very popular for use in pesto and many Mediterranean inspired dishes. Flowers are edible. Chives. Tastes like sweet, mild onions. Commonly used in salads and vinegars or as a garnish. Whole leaves can be tied decoratively around vegetables.

Cilantro. The leaves and stems of the Coriander plant, Cilantro is a lively, pungent herb often used in Asian, Caribbean and Latin American cooking that lends itself well to spicy foods. can be tied decoratively around vegetables. Mint. Delicious in jellies, sauces, teas and beverages. Spearmint enhances meats, fish and vegetable dishes. Oregano. Perfect with tomato sauce, oregano is used in a variety of cuisines, including those of Italy, Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Colombia, Greece and Brazil. Blends well with basil and tarragon. Parsley. Parsley is a natural breath freshener, and is commonly used as garnish. It also blends well with mild-flavored vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. Rosemary. Combines well with many meats and fish, enhances vegetables and complements other herbs. Excellent in sauces, soups and marinades. Sage. Sage is good with pork, sausage, lamb, other meats, and cheese. It is often combined with thyme and used with beans and in soups. The flowers make an attractive garnish. Tarragon. Tarragon goes well with fish, meat, soups and stews, and is often used in tomato and egg dishes. Tarragon adds distinctive flavor to sauces. Thyme. Thyme is often used for poultry and stuffing, and is commonly used in fish sauces, chowders and soups. It also goes well with lamb, eggs, and is often paired with tomatoes. (Reprinted with permission from the Co-op Advantage Naturally Good Celebrations Party Planning Guide.)

Seedling Sale extended... think Mom!

We’ve extended our local, organic seedling sale until Sunday, May 13. Find herbs, seedlings, and edible flowers for your grandmother, mother, stepmother, mother-in-law, and other-mothers! All our seedlings come to us this year from Full Circle Farm, certified organic farm in Floyd. Full Circle is open to the public on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 13) for their annual Farm Tour and plant sale. Call 745.3182 for details. Thanks to Black Dog Salvage for their neighborly architectural support!

Election Results

Congratulations and welcome to new Co-op Board members Gayle Havens Cooley and Scott Smith, and to returning Board member, Richard Normand. Each Board member will serve a three year term.

Co-op Job Opening

Director of Marketing and Communications: Full time position responsible for outreach, events, and promotions of Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op. Includes all printed and Web communications, such as newsletter publication, monthly enewsletter creation and dissemination, and employee newsletter. Direct all advertising and donations, represent Co-op to media, and supervise marketing staff. Knowledge of cooperative business structure helpful, but not necessary. Exceptional communication skills and a sterling work ethic required. To apply, fill out an application at 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke. No phone calls, please.