5 Simple Tricks to Identify Top-Grade Herbs

Sight: First impressions matter, even for herbs! Take a good look at your dried herbs. Do they still look lively and vibrant, like they just came from the garden? Your Lemon Balm should be a bright, cheerful green, and Mullein should still have that fluffy, springy feel. If your herbs look like they’ve been through a rough winter—dark brown, dusty, and dead—skip the tea and toss them in the compost. You deserve better!

Smell: Follow your nose! The best herbs are a treat for your senses, especially those in the mint family. When you open a canister or give the herbs a little scrunch, they should release that wonderful, fresh aroma that reminds you of their original form. If your herbs smell off—like chemicals, mold, or something rancid—don’t take any chances. Toss them out and find something fresher.

Taste: A good herb will dance on your taste buds! When dried, herbs should have a concentrated, flavorful punch. If you brew a tea and it tastes bland or nothing like the plant you know and love, it’s probably not going to do much for you. Save your taste buds (and your health) and move on to something more vibrant.

Locality: Keep it local! The closer your herbs are grown to home, the better they’ll be. Freshness is key, and local herbs don’t have to endure long journeys or harsh fumigations with nasty chemicals like Methyl-Bromide. Plus, supporting local organic growers means you’re getting the best quality herbs while keeping your community thriving. It’s a win-win!

Organic: Go organic or go home! This is the single most important tip! Non-organic herbs are likely to be full of harmful chemicals like Glyphosate and toxic pesticides.

Farming is a challenging yet rewarding profession, where crops must compete with weeds, pests, and wildlife. To ensure a successful harvest, farmers often turn to herbicides and pesticides, which help protect their plants and secure a reliable yield. However, it's important to remember that this approach can affect the health of the final product.

When choosing medicinal herbs, it's crucial to consider how they were grown, as the methods used can have a significant impact on their safety. Always prioritize herbs that are cultivated naturally to support both your well-being and the environment.

Organic herbs ensure that you’re consuming pure, natural goodness, just as nature intended.

Remember, the best herbs are those that bring out the vibrant flavors, aromas, and benefits that nature intended. So, next time you're shopping for your herbal remedies, trust your senses, support local growers, and always go organic. Your health deserves nothing less!

Elle