A distinctly local take on the classic French herb blend, made with herbs harvested from farms and certified gardens in and around Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
How to Use It
Herbs of Cape Ann is our New England interpretation of Herbes de Provence: an aromatic, savory herb blend that works with just about anything coming out of the oven, off the grill, or onto the dinner table.
The blend typically includes thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, basil, bay leaf, and lavender, creating a mix that is earthy, fragrant, slightly floral, and unmistakably herbal.
A few obvious ways to use Herbs of Cape Ann are:
- roasted chicken, turkey, and pork
- grilled or roasted fish
- potatoes and root vegetables
- tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and summer squash
- soups, stews, and chowders
- pasta sauces
- focaccia and savory breads
- vinaigrettes and marinades
- beans and lentils
- eggs and breakfast potatoes
Some not-so-obvious options are:
- mixed into softened butter
- sprinkled over popcorn
- added to homemade crackers
- blended with sea salt for a finishing seasoning
- stirred into olive oil for dipping bread
- used to season roasted nuts
- added to savory biscuits or scones
Because these are whole dried herbs rather than a fine powder, we suggest rubbing a pinch between your fingers or palms before adding it to a dish. This helps break up the leaves and release more of their aroma.
Why It’s Better
Herbs of Cape Ann starts much closer to home. Rather than recreating an herb blend from ingredients grown thousands of miles away, we work with local farms and certified gardens in and around Cape Ann to preserve herbs grown during our own New England growing season.
The herbs are dried and blended in small batches so that their character carries well beyond the summer harvest. And because local agriculture doesn’t come from a factory, the recipe may change slightly from batch to batch.
Thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, basil, bay leaf, and lavender make up our traditional blend, but the proportions — and occasionally the herbs themselves — may vary depending on what local growers have available at its best. We think that’s part of what makes it special. Like wine, honey, or produce from a farmer’s market, each batch reflects a particular place and season.
Farmers and community members around Cape Ann grew the herbs. We just help make the season last a little longer.
