Herbs for the braai

Herbs are the easiest way to add instant flavour to a braai, and nothing beats the taste and health benefits of using them fresh.

Herbs can be used in rubs and marinades for meat, in vegetable or salad side-dishes, in salad dressings, and even added to the coals for that delicious aroma. Here are five useful herbs to pot up and have close to the braai area.

Rosemary

One of the most useful herbs for the braai, rosemary is hardy and drought-tolerant in the right conditions. It is a fragrant, robust herb from the Mediterranean and makes an excellent plant in a terracotta pot.

One of the best uses for rosemary is to use the woody stems as skewers for meat, such as chicken and lamb, or vegetables. Leave some of the top leaves on the stalk to release their herby aroma when cooking.

Thyme

Thyme is a more delicate herb that adds to the flavour of steak when combined with garlic and butter. There are many different kinds of thyme, some even taste like lemon. They love heat and sun, and although the leaves are on delicate stems, they can be drought-tolerant and tough. Thyme is very easy to grow from seed and does well in containers.

The best use of thyme is to add it to a compound butter. They can be the only herb or mixed with other delicate herbs like parsley. Use edible flowers like pansies on the outside of your butter to make an eye-catching treat for your guests.

Oregano

Low-growing oregano is a must for braai-lovers. It’s a trailing herb for the sun with leaves that add a lift to a salad dressing and anything with tomatoes. It’s a great herb to mix with others and spill over the rims of containers.

If you like to make your own pizza on braai day, then oregano is a must. Once your pizza is cooked, sprinkle with fresh oregano to finish it off and give it an explosion of taste.

Mint

Mint is a herb well known for its cool, fresh taste, and it is particularly well-suited for containers. Mint can get out of hand in a garden, so it’s better to contain it. They like full sun or partial shade and plenty of water to grow well.

The best way to use mint is in a cocktail. Try this mocktail for spring and summer freshness – 3 cups orange juice. 3 cups cranberry juice, 1 cup lemon juice, 3 cups ginger ale, 1 cup pineapple juice, ice cubes, and fruit like strawberries, cranberries, or pineapple slices, with a bunch of fresh mint sprigs.

Basil

Basil has a strong flavour that is the base of many Italian dishes. From pesto to pizza, basil is the most chosen. Growing basil is very easy with fertile soil, consistent water and lots of sunlight. They are perfect for containers and mix well with other water-loving herbs like parsley, dill and coriander.

Growing basil near your braai to pick a few leaves when needed for the cheese platter, but did you know the smell of the leaves when crushed deters flies and mosquitoes?

Potted herbs need

Proper potting soil that has good drainage. A specially formatted herb mix is ideal.
Feeding every 2 weeks with a liquid fertiliser.
Watering according to their needs. Group herbs together with similar needs. Sage, for example, does not like a lot of water, so grow it on its own.

For all your braai day needs, visit the online store at builders.co.za or shop at your nearest store.