The 4 Most Exotic Herbs from Around the Globe
The majority of the spices and herbs have originated from Asia and Eastern Europe. It took some time for these herbs to travel to other parts of the world, but they eventually did. And today, the entire world enjoys the outlandish flavors and amazing benefits of these herbs. However, despite globalization, several herbs are still rare and entirely exotic to most of us.
If you are a fan of herbs and have incorporated them into your life, you’d love to know about the following four exotic herbs from around the globe:
1. Wasabi
We have all heard of wasabi, thanks to the sushi restaurants galore. However, very few people know that it is not any kind of pepper, but comes from a root. Eutrema japonicum or wasabi has originated from Japan and is known for its pungent flavor with an underlying hint of sweetness.
In the forests of Japan, wasabi is a perennial herb with thick, heart-shaped leaves standing upright.
Fun fact, every part of the wasabi plant is edible and it is not just a condiment for sushi but also sashimi, cold soba, Udon noodles, and a plethora of seafood. The herb is also known to have anti-parasitic properties. It can also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, improve the circulatory system, and detoxify the body.[1]
2. Sorrel
Sorrel was as common as salt in the ancient culinary world. This exotic herb originated from the grasslands of Europe and Central Asia, and its usage date back to the 14th century. In Jamaican literature, Sorrel was described as a sour herb, indicating its tangy flavor similar to lemon and apple. French sorrel has many types and the plants differ in appearance. The three most common plants of sorrel are French, broad leaves, and red-veined. This herb is rich in vitamin A and is known to help improve the immune system.[2]
3. Dill
Anethum graveolens or Dill is now a regular in our kitchens. However, this herb traveled to us from the Mediterranean countries and southeastern Europe. Dill is an extremely aromatic plant with a distinct flavor. This herb is always added to the food in a small amount due to its strong flavor. Dill is widely used in soups, fish, sauces, fillings, and pickles. Packed with flavonoids, dill is also found to help improve heart health. Research has also shown that the herb can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.[3]
Since fresh Dill doesn’t last long, you can get it in the form of a tincture to make sure it’s always available.
4. Coriander
Coriandrum sativum or Coriander is the seed of cilantro. This herb originated from Italy but soon spread all over the world. Coriander is liberally used in Asian and Mexican kitchens to add spice and flavor to food. It’s also used in traditional medicine to help lower blood sugar[4], improve digestion, and promote gut health.[5] The herb has also been found to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that it may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.[6]
The world is a fascinating place and doing something as simple as using herbs from far away lands makes you feel connected to them and can also give you the opportunity to improve your health naturally. You can get your hands on some more exotic herbs from the HerbEra.
References:
[1]https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/health-benefits-wasabi.php
[2]https://www.amhosp.org/health-tips/health-benefits-of-sorrel/
[3]https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-dill
[4]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814699001132
[5]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115000647
[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083808/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146935/