Top Varieties:
‘Spearmint’ – Standard kitchen mint.
‘Peppermint’ – High menthol, intense cooling effect.
‘Apple Mint’ – Fruity fragrance, low bitterness.
Pro Tip: Prevent staining by lining the bucket with coarse compost under the soil mix.
20.3 Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
History & Origin: Used since 5,000 BC, found in Egyptian tombs. Both leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are staples in Latin, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Culinary Uses:
Key in salsa, guacamole, chutneys, and curries.
Coriander seeds are toasted for spice blends like garam masala.
Medicinal Properties: Acts as a natural heavy metal detoxifier and has antimicrobial benefits.
Top Varieties:
‘Calypso’ – Bolt-resistant.
‘Leisure’ – Compact, great for containers.
‘Santo’ – Strong, pungent flavor.
20.4 Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
History & Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, used by Greeks and Romans for medicine and breath freshening.
Culinary Uses:
Essential in tabbouleh, chimichurri, and garnishes.
Flat-leaf has stronger flavor; curly is decorative.
Medicinal Properties: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports bone health and acts as a diuretic.
Top Varieties:
‘Flat-Leaf (Italian)’ – Preferred by chefs.
‘Curly’ – Slower to bolt, great for plating.
20.5 Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
History & Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, revered by Egyptians and Greeks for antiseptic properties.
Culinary Uses:
Classic in roasted meats, stews, and herbes de Provence.
Lemon thyme enhances fish and herb butters.
Medicinal Properties: Contains thymol, aiding respiratory health and immunity.
Top Varieties:
‘Common (English)’ – Robust flavor.
‘Lemon’ – Citrusy, great for seafood.
‘Creeping’ – Ornamental groundcover.
Pro Tip: Trim back by one-third after flowering and feed with seaweed solution every 6–8 weeks.
20.6 Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
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✅ More Engaging & Concise – Removed redundancy while keeping key details.
✅ Consistent Formatting – Uniform headers, bullet points, and emphasis.
