What are Herbes de Provence?

by Cookthink

Herbes de Provence are an aromatic mixture of commonly used herbs from the south of France. The mixture varies but always includes lots of thyme, plus rosemary, bay leaf, basil, savory, marjoram, fennel, sage and lavender. These fragrant herbs are dried and used during cooking to flavor Provençal dishes such as roast chicken, grilled meats, soups and vegetable-based stews. While popular with Provençal grandmothers throughout the ages, commercial production of Herbes de Provence began in the 1970s. You can now find Herbes de Provence in supermarkets and farmer's markets throughout the world. In Provence, the herbs are stored in handy olive-wood grinders made especially to release the trapped scent of the herbs just before they go in the pot. You can also just crush them gently with your fingers before sprinkling on food or mixing with oil to season a dish.