There are numerous wonderful culinary herbs that it’s difficult to pick just five for our top five list, but here goes:

1. Basil. The scent of basil when gently rubbed between your fingers is strong and heavenly. If you love pasta this herb should be your top choice. It reminds us of long, lazy summer days and it is especially enjoyed with fresh garlic, crushed black pepper, large cuts of mozarella, thick slices of juicy beef tomatoes all drizzled with an oil and vinegar dressing. Basil is also the main ingredient in pesto. Basil not only complements Italian food but also American and Thai cuisines.

2. Lavender. Our favorite herb blend is Herbes De Provence and lavender helps make up this delightful mix, along with savory, thyme, basil and others. It’s perfect on grilled food, especially fish, and in vegetable soups and meaty stews too. Not only is lavender for eating, it helps us de-stress. Lavender helps relax the body, so a lavender filled sachet by your pillow will help you have a great night’s sleep!

3. Dill. Do I hear you say pickles? And let’s not forget salmon. It’s fine ‘branches’ dress up salmon wonderfully.

4. Rosemary. Think big when you think of Rosemary – it can really grow! This shrub that can be grown into mini culinary Christmas trees – a perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook. It smells heavenly too and it’s a perfect accompaniment for tomato based ishes and grilled vegetables, meat and soup.

5. Cilantro rounds out our top five. It has a very different aroma and certainly livens up a dish. It makes pico de gallo popand any other Mexican food!

With the great varieties of herbs available today it’s hard to choose just five top herbs. Growing herbs can be a lot of fun, so if you’ve ever fancied the idea of a herb garden then why not pick up these five herbs in the spring and get planting! You will then have a choice of herbs that will delight your palate that are within easy reach, for whatever type of dish you are cooking.