Even if the name suggests it, the curry herb has almost nothing to do with the spice of the same name. Only its scent is reminiscent of the popular spice mixture. The scent is particularly strong when it is warm and/or damp.

Since curry herb is a dried flower, it can be used as a decoration

Curry herb in the kitchen

The very easy-care curry herb (bot. Helichrysum italicum) can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, similar to the well-known curry powder. However, the herb should always be removed from the finished dish after cooking, otherwise it can cause stomach upset. However, it is not poisonous.

Unfortunately curry herb is not hardy. Although it can also be dried well and then used for seasoning, the taste of the fresh herb is much more intense. If it is possible for you, you should definitely overwinter the evergreen curry herb frost-free. So you can harvest fresh all year round.

Curry herb in medicine

In medicine, the essential oils of the curry herb are considered anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. They are used, for example, against coughs and other colds. Helichrysum is also used in homeopathy.

Curry herb in the apartment

You can also use freshly harvested sprigs of curry herb to drive away insects or to improve the air quality. The herb exudes a pleasant oriental scent. Hang a bunch of curry herbs in your bedroom to ward off mosquitoes.

The curry herb is also very suitable for use in dried bouquets. It is best to use flowering branches for this. The yellow flowers combined with the silvery foliage are extremely decorative. For a longer shelf life, hang dry the branches.

Harvest curry herb

Ideally, you should harvest your curry herb just before it blooms. Then the aroma is particularly intense. Always cut off whole shoots just above the transition from the woody to the soft part of the branch. This allows the herb to sprout again.

Preserve and store curry herb

If you want to use curry herb all year round but don't have space in your home, you can also dry, pickle or freeze the herb. However, a lot of aroma is lost during drying. It is best preserved by soaking in good olive oil.

The essentials in brief:

  • can be used fresh or dried
  • tastes best fresh
  • excellent seasoning for meat dishes and stews
  • Usage similar to curry powder
  • Remove cabbage from the food before consumption, otherwise it can cause stomach problems
  • essential oil has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect
  • fresh branches keep insects away

tips

The curry herb is ideal as a seasoning for different dishes. It can be easily dried or frozen for year-round use.

Category:

Vegetable garden