It’s a sensation which captures our imagination and attention. It is powerful, yet under-appreciated. This is the sense of smell. Most people consider the sense of smell the least powerful of our five senses. We are not often attuned to our sense of smell as we are to our sense of taste. Yet herbs, with their aromatic fragrances, are one of the pleasures God has created for our sense of smell as well as for our palates. Using them can turn a meal into a fragrant dinner you’ll enjoy physically, mentally and spiritually.
How to Enhance your Cooking
Create an herbal garden. Decide where you want to plant your garden. It can be even in a private, enclosed place which allows the fragrance to collect and intensify. For example,you can grow potted herbs such as oregano, thyme, chives, basil, and mint in your kitchen– if there is enough sunlight. In this way, the fragrance can be better appreciated. However, if you have no desire to create a garden of this type, choose to buy fresh herbs from your store. Remember, our sense of taste is not the only active sense involved in eating. People have no idea what they are missing when they exclude their sense of smell.
Cultivate the Sense of Smell
How many of us have heard the saying “take time to smell the roses?” Perhaps, if we include our sense of smell more, we would eat more healthily. Less salt would be needed because many of herbs have not only powerful aromas but flavors as well. Before adding an herb to your pot, take time to smell it. If you rub these leaves between your fingers as you crush them, their natural oil is released. God gave these herbs not only wonderful flavors but also odors that are pleasant to inhale. It is another way He has released His love upon us.
Add a few drops of olive oil to your favorite greens (spinach, kale, callaloo, cabbage) and sautee. Then add an herb like basil to your vegetable and, if you so desire, some sea salt and black pepper. The preparation is simple, tasty and healthy.
The Power to Change our Mood
Every plant has its own unique smell and these scents can actually alter our moods from feelings of exhaustion to feelings of relaxation. Though we are all different and complicated, and moods vary from time to time, a fragrant herb garden helps to bring about a feeling of relaxation and joy.
Plant a herb garden so the fragrance of God flows into your home. Don’t just rely on one plant to provide aroma in your garden. Choose a variety of plants that captivate your sense of smell every where you walk.
Taking the time to enjoy the fragrance of herbs as we cook can turn cooking into a truly spiritual experience as well. Even fragrances serve a unique purpose.
Enjoy the aromas as you prepare this herb rub for your favorite meat, poultry, or fish:
Chopped fresh Thyme
Chopped fresh Sage
Chopped fresh Rosemary
Minced Garlic
Add coarsely ground black pepper and sea salt. Then add crushed red peppers.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and smell before using.
The fragrance of herbs has the power to change our mood. Since every human being has a different sense of smell, the mood will vary from person to person.
Plant a herb garden so the fragrance of God flows into your home. Don’t just rely on one plant to provide aroma in your garden. Choose a variety of plants that captivate your sense of smell every where you walk and enjoy God’s creation.
