12 Herbs of Christmas
The “12 Herbs of Christmas” – it’s that time of year again when you start thinking about the turkey and the stuffing, and maybe the odd festive cocktail. But what herbs can you use, and what would make a great accompaniment for a flavor packed festive season. Well, we thought we would share with you our “12 Herbs of Christmas” (sing along if you want). So here goes, and please forgive us for any seasonal puns – they are all fully-intended!
“On the first herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
A Sprig of Lemon Thyme in Tea
Not only can you use lemon thyme in tea, another way to use it is by adding some lemon thyme to your Christmas stuffing to give it a delicious lemony kick. So go ahead and celebrate lemon thyme’s zesty brightness – just perfect for holiday teas, stuffings and desserts.
Lemon Thyme is often described as having earthy, woody, citrusy, zesty flavors.
“On the second herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Two Bold Bay Leaves
Ah, the aromatic scent of bay leaves is a festive favorite in our house. Fresh and dried bay leaves are readily available in most supermarkets and greengrocers. Use fresh or dried bay leaves to add a subtle, aromatic touch in soups, stews, and braises.
“On the third herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Three Bountiful Chervils
Chervil isn’t as readily available as parsley or dill and can sometimes be tricky to find in regular grocery stores. It’s more common in specialty stores, farmers’ markets, or as a plant to grow at home since it’s quite delicate and best used fresh. Chervil can replace parsley, tarragon, or dill in recipes, offering a milder, slightly anise-like flavor ideal for delicate dishes.
“On the fourth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Four Myrtle Sprigs
Myrtle is not commonly found in standard grocery stores. It’s more accessible in specialty shops, online herb retailers, or as a garden plant, particularly in Mediterranean regions where it thrives. I actually haven’t used myrtle yet, but it is something I am willing to try. Myrtle leaves can replace bay leaves for a more aromatic, slightly sweet flavor. The berries can stand in for juniper berries in marinades, meat dishes, or liqueurs.
“On the fifth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Five Golden Boughs (of Rosemary)
Rosemary, just like thyme, is a woody plant. It is often described has having woody, earthy, and slightly bitter flavors. Celebrate rosemary’s piney aroma in roasts, breads, and even festive cocktails.
Rosemary and thyme are often grown together, and work well when used together in recipes.
“On the sixth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Six Tassels of Thyme
Thyme is one of those herbs that is great to use when cooking meats and nut roasts. Thyme is often described as having earthy, aromatic, sweet, minty flavors. It can be a bit fiddly trying to use fresh thyme as the leaves are tiny and difficult to remove. However, you could always use dried thyme as a quick alternative.
Thyme’s earthy warmth is a staple in stuffing, roasted veggies, and hearty winter dishes.
“On the seventh herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Seven Sage Saviors
Sage has long been a favorite among cooks, particularly for stuffing. But you don’t have to keep it for Christmas! It’s also a key ingredient in many pork recipes and works beautifully with rich meats like goose, as its natural oils help balance the fattiness.
Known for its bold, earthy flavor, sage is both savory and slightly peppery, with hints of citrus and eucalyptus. Its warm, woodsy profile includes a touch of bitterness that adds depth to dishes. Fresh sage has a milder, slightly sweeter taste, while dried sage offers a more concentrated, pungent flavor.
“On the eighth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Eight Basil Leaves
Basil is not just for pizzas! Basil is widely available in grocery stores year-round, either fresh in the produce section or dried in the spice aisle. I always grow fresh basil at home so I have a constant supply.
Basil can replace oregano, thyme, mint, or cilantro, depending on the dish. It adds a sweet, peppery flavor with a hint of clove, making it a versatile substitute in sauces, soups, and marinades.
“On the ninth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Nine Oregano Wonders
Oregano’s robust, herbal charm takes center stage in sauces, pizzas, and roasted dishes. Try adding dried oregano to stuffing mixes for a savory, aromatic boost. Or sprinkle oregano on baked brie, pizza-style flatbreads, or savory tarts for the perfect Christmas appetizer.
Oregano can definitely be a great festive addition to Christmas dishes, lending its warm, earthy flavor to holiday classics.
“On the tenth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Ten Tarragon Touches
Tarragon brings a unique, slightly sweet, and licorice-like flavor to Christmas dishes, perfect for adding a touch of elegance. Add it to creamy sauces like béarnaise to make a perfect tarragon cream sauce. It can also be a great alternative to cranberry or bread sauce at Christmastime. Try infusing tarragon into simple syrups and use to create flavorful holiday cocktails.
“On the eleventh herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Eleven Minty Morsels
I grow mint all year round in pots, positioned both indoors and outdoors. Mint adds a refreshing, aromatic flavor that works wonderfully in both savory and sweet holiday dishes. Try adding fresh mint to holiday drinks like mojitos, juleps, or a minty twist on hot chocolate or tea. Pair mint with roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets for a fresh contrast. Or simply add some mint leaves to stuffing or fresh salads to brighten the flavors and balance out richer dishes.
“On the twelfth herb of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Twelve Lavender Dreams
Now lavendar to me is more of a cottage plant, rather than an ingredient, but it has made the list as lavender’s floral, slightly sweet, and herbaceous flavor can bring a unique touch to Christmas dishes. Make your own lavendar butter by infusing lavender into softened butter and then serve it with fresh bread or roasted vegetables for a sophisticated side. It also pairs beautifully with flavors like honey, lemon, or chocolate, making it perfect for holiday ice cream, custards, or panna cotta. And for the grown-ups, lavender’s floral, aromatic notes are perfect for elegant cocktails.
Lavendar is also the perfect plant to make homemade potpourri. Homemade potpourri is a beautiful way to add a touch of nature to your space, or alternatively you can make to give as thoughtful, fragrant gifts!
And there you have it – the “12 Herbs of Christmas”, each bringing its own festive flair to your holiday season. Whether you’re sprucing up classic dishes, creating the perfect cocktail, or simply filling your home with their seasonal scents, these herbs are the perfect companions for the most wonderful time of the year. So, gather your sprigs, sprinkle your spices, and let nature’s finest flavors make your celebrations unforgettable. Happy holidays!