Herbs

There is a big difference in flavor and aroma between fresh and dry oregano, cilantro (fresh coriander) and coriander seeds, and fresh and dried mint. In Mediterranean cooking dried herbs are used in stews and all kinds of cooked or baked dishes, while fresh herbs are added to salads, spreads, and occasionally to marinades. A small pinch of dry, wild Greek oregano goes a long way. Its potent aroma permeates meat and vegetable dishes, but it particularly shines when sprinkled over feta cheese. It miraculously transforms a simple olive-oil-and-lemon dressing into the perfect sauce for grilled fish and seafood. Dried mint is a Middle Eastern essential, added to many spice blends and to vegetable and yogurt spreads. It is steeped in boiling water to become the quintessential tea of Morocco and other North African countries. Fresh mint is added to salads, pies, sauces, and dressings. Because dried mint is not readily available, you can easily dry a bunch.