No matter how nutritious a meal is, it must taste good. Losing weight and building muscle should bring satisfaction in all ways. Everyone has a favorite herb they enjoy. Even if you don't have a current favorite or want to explore the world of herbs, there are so many options for anyone's taste buds.
When it comes to meal prep, the options for seasonings are endless. But not all herbs and spices are created equal. Some work better than others with certain types of food. And some just have more flavor overall. Let's check this guide to the best herbs and spices for meal prep. With these seasonings on hand, you'll be able to make delicious and flavorful meals that will keep you satisfied all week long.
How to Season Your Meal Preps Properly
When seasoning your food, think of the type of flavor you want. Do you want something spicy? Herbal? Earthy? Once you know what kind of flavor profile you're going for, it will be much easier to choose the right seasonings. For example, if you're making a chicken dish, you might want to use garlic, rosemary, and thyme. These herbs will give the chicken a savory flavor that is perfect for meal prep.
If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, then consider adding cumin, chili powder, and paprika to your chicken dish. These spices will give it a nice heat that will make it more enjoyable to eat. If you're craving something truly unique, then try using turmeric, ginger, and cilantro. These three ingredients will give your chicken a flavor that is unlike anything you've ever tasted before.
When it comes to fish, a few different herbs and spices will work well. If you want something with a bit of an Asian flair, then try using ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro. These seasonings will give your fish light and refreshing flavor that is perfect for meal prep. If you want something a wee bit heartier, then consider using rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These herbs will give your fish a robust flavor that is perfect for the main course.
Vegetables are another great option for meal prep. They can be easily seasoned with just about anything you have on hand. If you want something with a bit of an Asian flair, then try using ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro.
Many Americans have fallen in love with an Asian flair for how deliciously exotic it can be. Lemongrass, in particular, is stunningly popular in Vietnamese food. For a European twist, create an herb bundle of rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These two robust flavors are perfect for any main course.
When it comes to soups, there are a few different herbs and spices that work well. You can go for the traditional seasonings of rosemary, thyme, and oregano. But go a little further down the flavor rabbit hole with herbes de Provence. It is faithful to traditional European tastings but with herbs like savory and marjoram.
As you can see, there's a myriad of herbs and spices that can be used for meal prep. The key is to find the ones that work best with the type of food you're making. With a wee bit of experimentation, you'll be able to find the perfect combination of seasonings that will make your meals taste top-class and help you stay on track with your meal prep goals.
How to Store Your Seasonings
When it comes to storing your spices, it's important to keep them in a cool, dry place. In case of a humid climate, it's best to store them in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for longer. And if you're using dried spices, then be sure to store them in an airtight container, so they don't lose their flavor.
Fresh herbs can be a bit trickier to store. If you're using them right away, then you can just leave them out on the counter. But if you want to keep them for longer, then it's best to store them in the fridge. You can either wrap fresh herbs in a damp paper towel or place them in a plastic bag. Make sure to use the greens within a few days so they don't lose their flavor.
The Most Popular Herbs & Spices to Keep in Your Kitchen
Most popular herbs in America, according to the Herb Society of America
- Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Bay (Laurus nobili)
- Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Chives (Alliums schoenoprasum)
- Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
The most popular herbs, according to Taste Atlas, are:
- Basil
- Huacatay
- Calamint
- Bouquet Garni
- Lemon Myrtle
- Holy Basil
- Herbes de Provence
- Curry leaves
- Shiso
- Fines Herbes
With such a wide range of meal prep seasoning, you’re sure to bring your fave foods to the next level.
Conclusion
No matter what type of cuisine you grew up with, you can always find new favorites or create a new blend to your liking. Now that you know the best herbs and spices for meal prep, it's time to get started on your own culinary creations. With this seasoning guide, you can easily create delicious and healthy meals that will help you reach your fitness goals.
