GROW OWN HERBS AT HOME

AS MALAYSIAN, herbs offer a particularly an important part of our cultural cuisine heritage. May be you can incorporate the Malay herbs alongside Indian spices or Chinese herbs in which it will embracing that global cultural heritage of fine food and flavours. Think of all the amazing fusion of flavours built into our heritage in Malaysia. The joys of Local Malay or Nyonya cuisine with its unique blend of flavours from varied cultural roots. The mix of fiery spices that contribute to Penang’s enviable food reputation. The influence of European and Indian spices alike, that showcase Melaka’s trading heritage in its modern cuisine. There are a number of great herbs you can grow in your kitchen garden. That’s everything from traditional Malaysian herbs, to popular choices for favourite dishes. Here are some great choices from indoor to outdoor growing environments that we able to grow. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" discuss the 7 most recommended herbs to be grown at home. 

1) Chilli

Grow a bit of spice into your kitchen garden with chilli (Capsicum frustecens) for hobby. The fruits of this delicious plant need no introduction, bringing a fiery kick to your dishes. Chilli plants are also an attractive option, being simple to grow outdoors, and offering easy-care and aesthetically pleasing options indoors. Give it a good watering when needed, but it’s okay to let it dry out a little between watering. Make sure you increase watering during the growing season, and in particular when chilli fruits are full and ripe on the plant.

2) Curry Leaf

Curry leaves (Murraya koeinigii) are the foundation of many an amazing dish, and you’ll be glad to know they’re also relatively easy to grow. You can place a curry plant in soil in your garden, or pot them for indoor growing, and they can be grown from either a cutting or seeds. With an origin in India, the good news is curry plants grow better in a warm environment and making them an ideal match for Malaysia. Growing curry plants to a reasonable size as they mature and with some trees reaching up to six metres, so they’re less suited to a window pot than a standing pot in the house (or outdoor setting) as they get bigger.


3) Lemongrass

The unmissable flavour of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) or locally known as Serai is a popular addition to many Southeast Asian cuisines include the Malay Fods and one of the more common herbs in Malaysia. It was originally native to areas of South India, but grows well in Malaysia’s warm and humid climate. Make sure to provide your lemongrass with plenty of sun, as well as an area of soil that drains well to avoid it exposed or becoming waterlogged. This is one of those plants that keeps going once it’s rooted, so expect a decent sized area of growth if growing this outdoors. Lemongrass plants can eventually grow to about 1.5 metres in height.


4) Mint

Mint (Menta spp) is one of the plant contain Mentha a storngly scented herbs.  If you’re looking for an easy herb to grow, you don’t need to look much further than mint. This hardy little plant is fast growing, and can quickly take over a corner of your garden patch if you’re not careful. It’s a great for an indoor planting too, just needing some light and regular watering to see it thrive. Aside from being a great addition to a variety of cuisines, mint is also sought after for its role as a pleasing and often medicinal tea. You’ll have plenty of it leftover, if you plant it with room to grow at home.

5) Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a herb and  is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers in which native to the Mediterranean region. However until 2017, this crop was known by the scientific name of Rosmarinus officinalis.  It offers a welcome boost to many modern dishes. It goes particularly well with lamb, or to pack some punch into tasty potato recipes. Rosemary is a relatively robust plant that will grow in conditions both outside and inside. It’s the perfect choice for a spot in the kitchen or in a window planter. Make sure it gets a bit of sun every day, and keep it watered, while ensuring that the soil can drain any excess liquid.

6) Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is also known as Chinese parsley, dhania or cilantro. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking. No Malaysian herb list would be complete without coriander! Did you know that coriander is widely reported to be one of the oldest spices used in cuisine?. It’s considered native across a region that stretches from Europe to the southern reaches of Asia. You’ll be glad to know for your kitchen garden needs that coriander is also a relatively easy plant to grow. You can simply take a small cutting of coriander and place into a small jar or tub of water to grow. Just move it to a pot once it’s taken root. Water often in the seedling phases of growth, and reduce the frequency as it grows into a plant. Coriander seeds can also be used for a flavour kick. Just cut the stems when the seeds have changed from a fresh green colour to a gray colour, and then leave them somewhere to dry.

7) Thai Basil

Thai basil (Occimum basilicum) is a type of basil native to Southeast Asia that has been cultivated to provide distinctive traits. Widely used throughout Southeast Asia, its flavor, described as anise- and licorice-like and slightly spicy, is more stable under high or extended cooking temperatures than that of sweet basil. Thail basil is a fragrant and familiar herb that graces many delicious dishes in Malaysia. Although it’s often referred to as Thai basil, it’s actually native throughout the Southeast Asia region. Once again, it’s another great option for both outdoor and indoor planting. It’s important to make sure this herb gets access to a good deal of sunlight, and is well watered to ensure moist soil that drains, to eliminate any water-logging. If you’re growing indoors, be sure and water the plant if the soil becomes dry to the touch.

For me growing your own kitchen garden is a popular green-fingered choice. It not only offers up the chance to enjoy your own fresh produce, but it’s particularly helpful for growing a fresh range of herbs and spices that really put the flavour into great cuisine. Do it Yourself (DIY) gardening in Malaysia isn’t just for those lucky people with landed properties, though. You can grow a range of herbal plants such as Chinese herbs, Malay herbs, and whatever other herbs and spices you’ve got, if you have the patience and space to nurture. It all adds up to a great option for your next meal. But, don’t be fooled into thinking that a ‘kitchen garden’ just means a very lonely little plant pot in your kitchen window!. A kitchen garden really relates to any space (outdoor or indoor) that you use specifically for the purpose of spicing up the food made in your own kitchen. It’s a simple way to enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs right in your own home. That means every window or spare space in your home could be used to maximise the benefits with your very own herbs garden. Thanks...

By,

M Anim,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

Novenber 2020.