Hyssop

What Is Hyssop?

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a fragrant Mediterranean herb in the mint family, with slender, elongated leaves and blue-purple flowers. It is a traditional plant used throughout history both in cooking and for its fragrance.

Its flavor is mildly bitter, mentholated, and resinous-aromatic; because it is so intense, it is used in very small amounts. Fresh or dried leaves add aroma to meat dishes, herb blends, and herbal teas.

Hyssop Nutrition Facts

Hyssop is used in very small amounts as a seasoning herb, so its contribution to the nutritional value of a meal is low; for that reason, no detailed nutrition table is provided. Aromatic herbs mainly contain essential oils and plant compounds.

How to Use Hyssop

Hyssop is used in small amounts in cooking to add aroma. Its concentrated essential oil is much stronger than the amount of leaves used in cooking; high doses of these concentrated oils are not recommended, and pregnant people should use caution with herbal concentrates.

This is general information; hyssop is a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Hyssop

Good hyssop should be fresh and bright green when fresh, or retain its color and aroma when dried. Avoid dried herbs that are yellowed, dusty, or have lost their aroma.

• Fresh hyssop should be firm and bright green.
• Dried hyssop should retain its color and aroma.
• Do not buy dried herbs that have lost their aroma.

How to Store Hyssop

Store dried hyssop in a sealed jar in a cool, dry, dark place. Wrap fresh bunches in a damp cloth and keep them briefly in the refrigerator, or hang them to dry for storage.

Using Hyssop in the Kitchen

Use small amounts of hyssop in meat and poultry dishes, vegetable dishes, herb blends, and herbal teas. Because its flavor is intense, add it in moderation and balance it with other herbs.

Why Is Hyssop Used Sparingly?

Its flavor and aroma are very intense; using too much can overpower the dish and make it bitter, so add only small amounts for aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hyssop taste like?

It has a mildly bitter, mentholated, resinous aroma and flavor, with an intense profile somewhere between mint and thyme.

Can hyssop be used as a tea?

Yes. Dried leaves are traditionally used in herbal teas, but only small amounts are steeped because of their intense aroma.

What dishes can hyssop be added to?

Add small amounts to meat and poultry dishes, vegetable dishes, and herb blends; use it sparingly because its flavor is intense.