One of my favourite parts of Autumn is the slew of aromas that are so specific to the season. The warming spices, curries, and pumpkin—there’s something so comforting about these scents. Interestingly, the herbs and spices we come to rely on for flavouring our Autumn cooking have some incredible health benefits.
Grab them fresh or from your spice rack and get cooking with these eight popular autumn herbs and see how they improve your health.
Here’s a list of Autumn’s glorious herbs and spices:
• basil
• chervil
• chilli
• chives
• coriander
• dill
• garlic
• ginger
• mint
• oregano
• parsley
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
Now let’s talk about some of these Autumn herbs specifically and their health benefits, shall we?
Basil
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also high in calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Chervil
Chervil, a versatile herb, boasts numerous health benefits, including being a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and other minerals, and has been traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce blood pressure, and as a mild diuretic.
Chilli
Chilli is a popular spice in many parts of the world and is well known for its hot, pungent flavour. Chilli peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, B6, and K1 (also known as phylloquinone) and minerals such as potassium and copper.
Chives
Chives are a good vitamin K and folic acid (folate) source. Chives, a nutrient-rich herb, offer several health benefits, including boosting immunity, promoting bone health, aiding digestion, and potentially reducing cancer risk due to their vitamin K, C, folate, and antioxidant content.
I grow my own chives, and it is such a pleasure to pick them fresh just before I use them in my cooking.
Coriander (Cilantro)
Help kick heavy metals to the curb with naturally detoxing coriander (cilantro). It’s great for finishing off dishes, especially from Mexican and Asian cuisines.
Cumin
Cumin offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, potentially supporting weight loss, and acting as an antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Rich in iron, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B vitamins.
Cumin is often found in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mexican cuisines. Bland beans, stews, and even roasted potatoes come alive with cumin.
Dill
Dill weed is an annual sweetish aromatic herb native to southern Europe and Mediterranean regions. Dill is a great source of Vitamin A, C, B9, B2 and minerals Manganese and iron. Also, benefits oral care, bone care and digestion, too.
Garlic
Garlic is rich in manganese, vitamin B6, C, selenium, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B1. It is well-known for its blood pressure-lowering properties and for improving cholesterol levels.
Ginger
Ginger is another immunity booster — and one that can help improve your circulation, too. It’s helpful for digestive troubles and adds aromatic flavours to your food. Take your veggie noodle soup and jazz it up with an Asian feel from this zesty spice. You can even make ginger tea with it, perfect for getting cosy on a chilly night.
Mint
Mint is not just for fresh breath! It is rich in fibre, vitamin A, iron, manganese and folate.
Oregano
Not only is oregano full of antibacterial properties, but it contains a load of iron, manganese, vitamin K, and other antioxidants. Just a little bit of fresh or dried oregano is good for improved immunity and adds zesty flavours to ordinary dishes for extraordinary taste.
Sage
Sage is a good source of vitamin K, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and manganese.
Sage adds a warm and appealing flavour and aroma to your dishes. It is potent, so you won’t need much. You’ll also love just a little extra virgin olive oil and zucchini pasta to create a restaurant-worthy dish even on your busiest night of the week.
Rosemary
Piney and lemony, rosemary has such a relaxing aroma. It’s also antiseptic and high in antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory compounds and manganese.
There are so many ways to cook with fresh rosemary. You can even infuse olive oil with rosemary to make your favourite dishes or use it as a dipping oil (recipe below). It’s excellent with various vegetables, and nothing compares to fresh-baked rosemary bread!
I grow my own rosemary, and it is such a pleasure to cut a piece just enough for what I’m cooking that day is priceless!
Thyme
Along with sage and rosemary, thyme is great for your immunity while also having antifungal properties. Thyme is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like copper, iron and manganese. It’s lovely in soups and stews and enhances the flavour of just about any roasted vegetable.
Paprika
With antibacterial properties, paprika is ideal for skin concerns. Rich in vitamins A, E and B6, and minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium.
Paprika packs a bit of heat and adds more depth to your dishes. Made from the skin of capsicums (bell peppers) and hot peppers, it gives flair to your foods. Smoked paprika is another option, the one that lends even more complexity to vegetables.
Parsley
Parsley contains many important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, potassium and folate (folic acid). It is rich in antioxidants, supports bone health, contains cancer-fighting substances, and parsley extract has antibacterial properties.
Skip the salt and shake on more seasoning from these autumn herbs. You’ll get better flavour and help boost your health all in one!