5 Best Herbes de Provence Blends to Enhance Your French Cooking
Enhance French cuisine with the best Herbes de Provence blends like Badia, Eat Well, Sadaf, Newman’s Own, and Eastanbul, each offering unique flavors and aromas to elevate dishes.
When it comes to French cuisine, herbes de Provence is a staple that every kitchen should have. This aromatic blend of dried herbs from the Provence region in France adds a unique flavor to various dishes, from roasts to soups and stews. It’s a versatile mix that can elevate even the simplest recipes.
Selecting the best herbes de Provence blend can be a bit tricky. The blend typically includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes lavender. It’s essential to check the ingredient list to ensure a well-balanced mix. The quality of the herbs, their origin, and freshness are critical factors to consider when choosing a blend.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Best Herbes de Provence Blends
Check out our top picks for the best Herbes de Provence blends. These blends will bring the rich flavors of French cuisine right into your kitchen.
Badia Herbes de Provence
We recently tried the Badia Herbes de Provence on a variety of dishes, and the results were delightful. The blend is incredibly fresh right out of the jar, providing a fragrant boost to poultry, roasts, and stews. It even worked wonders in scrambled eggs and on a prime rib roast. The aroma fills the kitchen, making the cooking experience enjoyable.
This blend is also a great option for those who need gluten-free and kosher products. We appreciated its versatility; it complemented vegetable dishes and tomato-based recipes beautifully. The lavender flowers add a unique touch, making each dish special without being overpowering.
One drawback is that the jar is only 1.5 ounces, which may not go far if you cook often. Some might find the flavor profile a bit mild, especially for more robust dishes. However, for most recipes, a little goes a long way. The availability might sometimes be an issue, but it’s worth grabbing when you can find it.
Eat Well Herbs de Provence Seasoning
This blend from Eat Well is incredibly fresh. The moment we open the canister, the fragrant mix of rosemary, lavender, and other herbs transports us straight to Provence. It gives our dishes such a rich and authentic flavor.
Using this blend is simple. We’ve had great success adding it to grilled vegetables, roast chicken, and even soups. It’s a versatile mix that brings warmth and depth to many recipes. Plus, there are no preservatives or additives, which is always a plus.
One issue we noticed is the size of the herb pieces. They’re a bit large, making it tricky to sprinkle evenly over dishes. We recommend running the blend through a coffee grinder if this is a concern. Despite this, the quality and flavor make it a worthwhile addition to any spice rack.
Sadaf Provence Herbs
We were quite impressed by the Sadaf Provence Herbs. The mix of basil, rosemary, marjoram, savory, and thyme added a wonderful depth to our dishes. These herbs are carefully sourced, allowing their authentic flavors to come through beautifully.
In the kitchen, we used this blend on everything from roasted meats to soups, and it never disappointed. The resealable bag was a handy feature, keeping the herbs fresh for our next culinary adventure. The aroma was just as inviting each time we reached for it.
Even though it’s a 1 oz pack, we found it lasted quite a while due to the strong, concentrated flavors. For those seeking genuine Herbs de Provence, this blend from Sadaf is a cost-effective and flavorful option.
Newman’s Own Organic Herbes de Provence
When we tried Newman’s Own Organic Herbes de Provence, we were impressed with its aromatic and fresh mix. The blend of oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram, and parsley captured the essence of French cuisine. We love using it on roasted meats and vegetables, as it adds a delightful herbaceous note without overpowering the dish.
One thing we really appreciate about this seasoning is its commitment to organic and non-GMO ingredients. It’s also salt-free, making it a healthier option for our cooking. Plus, knowing that 100% of the profits go to helping children and their families is a huge bonus.
Although the flavor is fantastic, we found ourselves using a bit more of the seasoning to achieve a stronger taste in our dishes. Considering the price, it might be on the higher end for some, but we believe the quality makes it worthwhile. The bottle size is convenient, yet we wouldn’t mind a larger option to avoid frequent purchases.
Overall, Newman’s Own Organic Herbes de Provence brings authentic French flavors to our meals and supports a great cause, making it a wonderful addition to our pantry.
Eastanbul Herbs De Provence Seasoning
We found the Eastanbul Herbs De Provence Seasoning to be a delightful addition to our cooking routine. Its fresh blend of rosemary, thyme, marjoram, basil, oregano, and lavender truly captures the essence of French cuisine. The scent alone transports us straight to the Mediterranean.
Using it on grilled chicken and roasted vegetables adds a unique aroma that elevates everyday meals. The handy shaker top makes it easy to sprinkle just the right amount of seasoning, ensuring we don’t overdo it. This blend’s versatility is impressive. We have used it in soups, stews, and even on fresh salads.
While we loved the fresh taste, the larger pieces of herbs might be too much for some. The lavender can be a bit strong, which might not suit everyone’s palate. Nonetheless, for anyone looking to experience authentic French flavors, this blend is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best Herbes de Provence blend for our French cuisine can be simple if we know what to look for. Here are some tips to help us decide.
Ingredients to Look For
Herbes de Provence are a mix of dried herbs. The key herbs usually include:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Savory
- Oregano
Optional ingredients might be lavender flowers and fennel. A blend with more of these will give us a traditional flavor.
Freshness and Quality
We should always check the expiration date. Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and taste. The herbs should be vibrant in color, not dull.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
It’s a good idea to choose organic blends. Organic herbs are grown without pesticides and chemicals, making them safer and often more flavorful.
Packaging
The packaging matters. Glass jars keep herbs fresh longer compared to plastic. Airtight seals are also crucial to keep moisture out.
Price Point
Higher-priced blends often indicate better quality, but there are also affordable options that are quite good. We should balance our budget with our taste preferences.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Look for key herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, savory, oregano |
| Freshness | Check the expiration date |
| Organic Option | Grown without chemicals and pesticides |
| Packaging | Prefer glass jars and airtight seals |
| Price Range | Balance cost with quality |
By taking these factors into account, we can select the best Herbes de Provence blend for our culinary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Herbes de Provence can transform many dishes with its aromatic blend. Here are some common questions about how to best use this flavorful herb mix in cooking.
What dishes can be best enhanced with the addition of herbes de Provence?
This herb blend adds depth to roasted meats, stews, grilled vegetables, and soups. It’s a classic in traditional French dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse.
Could you suggest a homemade blend for herbes de Provence?
Sure! Combine equal parts dried thyme, rosemary, savory, and oregano. Add a smaller amount of dried basil, marjoram, and fennel seeds for an authentic mix.
What vegetarian recipes shine with the use of herbes de Provence?
It’s fantastic in roasted vegetables, vegetable stews, and omelets. It’s also great for seasoning tofu, giving it a burst of flavor.
Which brands offer the most authentic herbes de Provence blends?
Look for blends from reputable spice companies like Penzeys, Morton & Bassett, and Spice Islands. They focus on quality and traditional recipes.
In what ways can herbes de Provence be incorporated into chicken recipes?
Rub it on chicken before roasting, add it to marinades, or sprinkle it on grilled chicken. It infuses the meat with a wonderful, earthy flavor.
What are the staple herbs that constitute a traditional French herbes de Provence mixture?
The traditional mix includes thyme, rosemary, savory, and oregano. Sometimes basil, marjoram, and fennel seeds are also added.
