Using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor and aroma of even the simplest dishes, but incorporating them into our meals can sometimes be a matter of innovation. From adding them to salads to mixing them into sauces, there are plenty of ways to utilize fresh herbs in our cooking. Here are some ideas for incorporating fresh herbs into our culinary routine.

Freeze them to use later. If you find that your fresh herbs are about to go bad, there are a few options to consider. One option is to chop them up finely and freeze the mixture in small containers. After they have frozen, you can simply pop out a cube and use it in place of fresh herbs in sauces. This keeps your herbs fresh for a longer period and can add flavor to your meals without the hassle of constantly buying and chopping fresh herbs.

Make a flavored oil from them. Infusing flavored oil with herbs is an excellent way to add delicious flavors to our meals. Simply place a handful of fresh herbs in a jar, add some neutral-tasting oil such as grapeseed oil, seal the jar, and let it sit for a few days in the refrigerator. Strain the oil and store it in a dark place. Use this flavored oil in place of regular oil in your recipes for added depth of flavor.

Make herb salt or herb sugar. To make herb salt, mix chopped fresh herbs with sea salt and other seasonings, such as herb extract. Use this herb salt to add flavor to dishes such as roasted vegetables. For herb sugar, mix chopped fresh herbs with coconut sugar and other seasonings, such as ginger. This herb sugar can add interesting flavors to baked goods and desserts.

Make herb butters and herb creams. Mixing fresh herbs into softened butter is an easy way to add a richness to our meals. Simply mix chopped fresh herbs into softened butters, shape into logs, and chill until firm. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a month and slice off as much as you need when you're ready to use them.

Infuse them into cream. Another option for adding fresh herbs to our meals is to infuse them into cream. To do this, place a handful of fresh herbs in a jar, add milk, and homemade eggplant spread let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Strain the cream and use it in place of regular cream in your recipes. This adds a interesting flavor to baked goods, soups, and other dishes.

Make herb vinegars. Just like herb infusions, herb vinegars can add a richness to our meals. To make herb vinegar, place a handful of fresh herbs in a jar, add vinegar, and let it sit for several days in the refrigerator. Strain the vinegar and store it in a dark place. Use this herb vinegar to make salad dressings.

Using fresh herbs in our cooking can be a delicious process, limited only by our rather limited. These ideas can inspire us to try something different and incorporate fresh herbs into our daily meals in interesting and different ways.