Hyssop

What Is Hyssop?

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

Its taste is mildly bitter, minty, and resinous-scented; because of this intensity it is used in very small amounts. Its fresh or dried leaves add aroma to meat dishes, herb blends, and herbal teas.

Nutritional Values of Hyssop

Since hyssop is used as a seasoning herb in very small amounts, its contribution to a meal's nutritional value is low; therefore a detailed nutrition table has not been given. Aromatic herbs mainly contain essential oils and plant compounds.

How Should Hyssop Be Used?

Hyssop is used in small amounts in cooking to add aroma. The herb's concentrated essential oil is much more potent than the amount of leaf used in cooking; high doses of such concentrated oils are not recommended, and pregnant women should be cautious with herbal concentrates.

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

How to Choose Hyssop?

Good hyssop is vivid, bright green when fresh, and retains its colour and scent when dried. Yellowed, dusty, or scent-lost dried herbs are not preferred.

• Fresh hyssop should be vivid, bright green
• Dried hyssop should retain its colour and scent
• Scent-lost dried herb should not be chosen

How to Store Hyssop?

Dried hyssop is stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dry, dark place. Fresh bunches are wrapped in a damp cloth and kept briefly in the refrigerator, or hung up and dried for storage.

Using Hyssop in the Kitchen

Hyssop is used in small amounts in meat dishes, poultry, vegetable dishes, and herb blends; also in herbal teas. Because of its intense taste it is added sparingly, in balance with other herbs.

Why Is Hyssop Used Sparingly?

Its taste and scent are very intense, so using too much can overpower and make a dish bitter; that's why it is added in small amounts for aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hyssop taste like?

It has a mildly bitter, minty, resinous-scented taste; it gives an intense aroma somewhere between mint and thyme.

Is hyssop used as a tea?

Yes; its dried leaves are traditionally used in herbal teas, though because of its intense scent it is brewed in small amounts.

Which dishes is hyssop added to?

It is added in small amounts to meat and poultry dishes, vegetable dishes, and herb blends; because of its intense taste it is used sparingly.