I noticed something cool and possibly new (or maybe just new to me) in the fresh herb section at QFC. You know those expensive herbs in plastic boxes? They’re now selling blends. Like the poultry blend, the pasta blend, etc. It’s not the idea of using all the herbs at once that excites me; it’s that you can get up to four different herbs in the same box for $2, instead of a fairly large amount of rosemary that you won’t actually use up.
Roots and Grubs
The home of Matthew Amster-Burton
Hi Matthew!
I’ve also noticed that they have herbs liberated from the boxes entirely. You can just buy a fresh sprig of sage now if that’s all you want.
Now I’m the exact opposite. I don’t WANT those other herbs… and what I don’t use I leave on the counter and let dry to throw in breads.
Maybe I’ll have to give them another shot.
For a while last year, Emeril had a line of herb blends that were packaged that way. Each label had a theme on it such as roast chicken, mediterranean, etc…
I thought they were brilliant, too but they disappeared and haven’t been seen at our local stores again since.
what I love about this concept is that besides being good for people who don’t cook often who want to avoid waste, these combos are a great way for new cooks to educate their palates and learn more about flavor affinities.
My vote: blends are good!
Why can’t I buy a sprig of thyme or oregano? Why do I have to buy too much to use for far too much money? One of the things I love about the town & country stores (ballard market, greenwood market, central market) is that I can buy one stick of celery if that’s all I need. I hope they start selling herbs the same way some day.
Luckily, I grow most of what I need anyway, but when I want something in Jan or Feb, I tend to just change my mind and do without. Far too expensive (I’ve never seen those plastic packs for anywhere close to $2).
They sell celery by the stalk at QFC, too. It’s the greatest innovation in produce marketing since bananas.
Susan, the $2 is also new. I checked QFC and Safeway, and they’re both in the process of switching to store brands for all their fresh herbs (Private Selection at QFC, O Organic at Safeway). And the price has come down, too. That said, the blends were the old name brand, and also $2, so I don’t know what’s up with that. I was buying tarragon, of which I now have a bunch extra.
Speaking of which, if you haven’t made Melissa Clark’s Asparagus dish, what are you waiting for?
i find that i usually manage to use up the boxes of herbs with some effort and determination.
but what kills me is the HUGE bunches of cilantro and parsley!!! i mean, damn, that is a LOT and it goes bad so fast!
sometimes i feel like i’m going to have a Steven Martin in the grocery store with the hot dogs and hot dog buns in father of the bride – ripping apart bunches of herbs and throwinf them around the produce department…
oh btdubs, i mentioned you on my blog today mamster – barredowl.wordpress.com
Barred Owl, regarding cilantro, I’ve totally got your back:
In the Bag
And thanks for the mention! I haven’t made those potatoes in too long.