Description

Bouquet garni means garnished bouquet and includes an assortment of herbs either fresh or dried, that is added to savory foods to enhance the flavor. The fresh ingredients are tied together and the dried ingredients are placed in a cheesecloth tied into a bag and then steeped in soups, stews, sauces, casseroles or meat dishes. After steeping the fresh or dried Garni is removed before serving the dish. Since the 1600 french and English cooks started using herb bundles to add flavours to their dishes. Bouquet garni is the basis of French Provencal cooking( french cuisine in the southeastern area of France). A classic bouquet garni comprises of 3 sprigs of parsley, 1 small sprig of thyme, and 1 small bay leaf. Sometimes, lemon and orange zest can also be added. However, depending on the recipe, basil, burnet, chervil, rosemary, peppercorns and tarragon may be included. Certain vegetables like carrot, celery, celeriac, leek, onion and parsley root are sometimes included in the bouquet. Now-a-days, garni bags are available that are similar to tea bags and contain pre-selected herbs sealed in paper steeping bags. Also, perforated balls (balls with holes in them) made of stainless steel are used. Dried herbs are chopped into bits and placed into the balls and then steeped in the cooking liquids and later removed before the food is served.

Health benefits

• Herbs like parsley, bay leaf, and thyme in Bouquet garni, are good sources of potassium. Potassium is very helpful in maintaining blood pressure and in promoting heart health. They also contain good levels of iron, which is used to make red blood cells in the body and prevent anaemia.⁽¹⁾
• Parsley and chervil contain antioxidants like apigenin, which may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and promote good nerve health as apigenin acts as a neuroprotector that protects damage to neurons. Bay leaf is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which are two powerful antioxidants, which limit free radical damage in the body, thus preventing diseases.⁽¹⁾
• All the herbs of the bouquet garni contain essential oils like thymol, eugenol and limone, which possess anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. They can also provide health benefits such as thymol helps in treating cough and sore throat.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

Choose herbs for bouquet Garni based on the recipe being used and check that they are free from insect infestation. It is always best to use fresh herbs. When buying the dried variety, check that it is within the expiry period in order to ensure the flavours are strong.