Herbs For The Catch Of The Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every September. And while I've never been a fan of gunpowder and loud noises, I have had the pleasure of enjoying the relaxing activity of fishing. And as it turns out, there are several herbs that are relatively easy to grow in the garden that greatly enhance the flavor of fish.

• As many of you may have already guessed, basil is at the top of the list. I have found that lemon basil pairs well with many different types of fish and I've even used it to enhance the flavor of my crock pot fish chowder.
• Chives are another herb that add a nice accent to fish dishes whether they are sprinkled on top after the fish is done or cooked along with it.
• Rosemary is a wonderful herb for fish whether it's fresh or dried. But be aware that fresh rosemary has stronger citrus notes than its dry form.
• Sage also goes well with fish. However, its use requires care and a light hand as its intensity increases with cooking or if it is frozen before being used in dishes.
• And although many Americans don't grow it, French tarragon, which is well suited for even a windowsill garden, adds a light, delicate flavor to fish dishes. 

So there you have it, a short list of flavor enhancers for your next fish dish. Give them each a try and see which one(s) suit your fancy.

They're Baaaaaaaaack!

While performing the annual ritual of container triage I came upon an unexpected find. This pot was located in possibly the worst place of any container. It was buried under a mountain of snow near the fence that was the result of not only what fell in that location, but what was piled there during numerous shoveling and snow blowing sessions. Yet the chives in it have survived and have sprouted anew. I should have taken a few pics of the mini snow Everest that engulfed this container. But take my word for it, this is the last thing I expected to see as I prepared for this season's container gardening. I guess there was more going on beneath the snow than I suspected. Nature truly is grand!

Chive Talkin'

Chives is the common name of Allium schoenoprasum, the smallest species of the edible onions. Mother Nature apparently loves this zesty herb since it is native to Europe, Asia and North America. And it turns out that in addition to their flavorful taste, chives actually have insect repelling qualities and are used in some gardens as an organic form of pest control. Ain't nature grand!?