The most distinctive and widely used fresh herbs in Italian cooking are basil, sage and oregano; essentials in many pasta and pizza dishes or in a simple mozzarella and tomato salad. Chop and add to a simple tomato sauce, with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan for a quick and easy dish
Basil is a key ingredient in pesto and you can experiment with different flavours by adding peppers, sundried tomatoes, roasted vegetables, chillies or garlic.
Veal, popular in Italy, is delicious marinated in rosemary and the same herb is used to add flavour, colour and aroma to home cooked breads including foccacia.
Parsley works beautifully in a classic mushroom risotto.
Salsa verde – create the perfect accompaniment with fresh mint, basil and parsley, delicious with seared tuna steak