Herb Essentials

We know about Jersey tomatoes. But Jersey parsley? Turns out, according to The Star-Ledger,  that the New Jersey is one of the top three states in parsley production.

Herb blends.

Herb fig.

Herb garden.

But there’s more to Enn-Jay herbs than growing parsley on an industrial scale. There are also small family farms that grow dozens of varieties of herbs, and shops that sell dried herbs, exotic spices from across the world and hard-to-find specialty blends. Whether herb farmers or herb retailers, what they want is help you cook tastier food.

One of the largest and most varied collections of fresh herbs in the entire country is at Well-Sweep Herb Farm in Port Murray, about six miles south of Hackettstown. On its 120 acres you will find a huge variety of herbs including 37 types of basil, 54 rosemarys, 75 lavenders, and 108 thymes. The farm also hosts tours and herb-related events where visitors learn how to grow herbs, cook with herbs, or dry herbs. You may want to check out their open house next Saturday.

In South Jersey, the place to go for fresh herbs is Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden, in Franklinville, about six miles south of Glassboro. It sells more than 100 varieties, and  owner Lorraine Kiefer periodically holds herb workshops in the display garden. The website is also noteworthy for her articles with advice on growing herbs and other kinds of plants.

If it’s dried herbs you want, you will have a hard time finding more variety than you get at Spice It Up, in Montclair. The store has a nice selection of olive oils, teas and sauces — but it’s herbs and spices that are the main attraction. There are some 290 different herbs, spices and blends. Owner Laurence Bussi that says his herbs are fresher than the ones you find in supermarkets, and that you probably will not find his blends anywhere else in the state.

A must try is Paradise Fig, a dry rub that combines the fruitiness of figs, the sharp creaminess of crumbled cheeses and the kick of spices. It’s terrific with salmon, simmered in wine or grilled outdoors. Steak lovers can try the blend of peppercorns immersed in bourbon.

You can order online if you are not near Montclair — their website is unusually good for that.

Tags: Montclair | Hackettstown | Glassboro | Well-Sweep Herb Farm | Spice It Up | Jersey tomato | Franklinville | Port Murray | Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden | herbs

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