Even if the name suggests it, the curry herb has almost nothing to do with the spice of the same name. Only its scent is reminiscent of the popular spice mixture. The scent is particularly strong when it is warm and/or humid.
How to use curry herb?
Curry herb (Helichrysum italicum) can be used fresh or dried as a seasoning in meat dishes and stews. Remove before consumption as it may cause stomach upset. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and keeps insects away.
Curry herb in the kitchen
The easy-care curry herb (bot. Helichrysum italicum) can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, similar to the well-known curry powder. However, the herb should always be removed from the finished dish after cooking, otherwise it can cause stomach upset. However, it is not poisonous.
Unfortunately, curry herb is not hardy. Although it can also be dried and then used for seasoning, the taste of the fresh herb is much more intense. If you can, you should definitely overwinter the evergreen curry herb frost-free. So you can harvest fresh all year round.
Curry herb in medicine
In medicine, the essential oils of curry herb are considered anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. They are used, for example, against coughs and other colds. Helichrysum is also used in homeopathy.
Curry herb in the apartment
You can also use freshly harvested twigs of curry herb to drive away insects or improve the air. The herb exudes a pleasant oriental scent. Why not hang a bouquet of curry herb in your bedroom to ward off mosquitoes.
Curry herb is also very suitable for use in dry bouquets. It is best to use flowering branches for this. The yellow flowers are extremely decorative in combination with the silvery foliage. For a long shelf life, dry the branches hanging.
Harvesting curry herbs
Ideally, you harvest your curry herb shortly before it flowers. Then the aroma is particularly intense. Always cut off entire shoots just above the transition from the woody to the soft part of the branch. This way the herb can sprout again.
Preserving and storing curry herb
If you want to use curry herb all year round but don't have space in your apartment, you can also dry, pickle or freeze the herb. However, a lot of flavor is lost when drying. It is best preserved when marinated in good olive oil.
The most important things in brief:
- can be used fresh or dried
- tastes best fresh
- excellent seasoning for meat dishes and stews
- Use similar to curry powder
- Remove the herb from the food before consumption, otherwise it can cause stomach problems
- Essential oil has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect
- fresh twigs keep insects away
Tip
The curry herb is ideal as a seasoning for various dishes. It can easily be dried or frozen for year-round use.
