Herbs can be the star of a dish (think of insalata caprese with basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes or try to imagine salsa without cilantro), or they can add subtle layers of flavor which serve to highlight your other ingredients. Because the flavors of herbs can vary widely from season to season and plant to plant, always taste a bit before you decide how much to add.

Delicate fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, dill, coriander, etc. are generally chopped, snipped, or torn and added at the end of cooking to maximize their flavor impact. Heartier herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary can be added earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to completely infuse your dish. These are often added whole and removed before serving.