Herbs for Colder Months: Elevate Your Seasonal Dishes

by Melissa Chichester

Fall and winter are the perfect time to explore the warm, aromatic world of seasonal herbs.

Beyond their culinary uses, many of these herbs hold fascinating stories of cultivation and tradition. Let’s dive into five herbs—ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek, maca, and oregano—each with its unique flavors, histories, and uses.

1. Ginger

Where it grows: Ginger is primarily cultivated in tropical regions like India, China, and Jamaica, where its rhizomes thrive in warm, humid climates.

How it’s used: Known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor, ginger is a staple in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean cuisines. Use it fresh in stir-fries and soups, grated into marinades, or dried and ground for baked goods.

Taste profile: Ginger delivers a sharp, peppery warmth with a citrusy undertone.

Fun fact: Ginger is one of the oldest known spices, with a history dating back over 5,000 years in ancient Chinese and Indian cultures.

As a supplement, Puritan’s Pride combines Turmeric and Ginger into one capsule, capturing the essence of these two traditional ingredients for overall well-being.*

2. Cinnamon

Where it grows: True cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) is native to Sri Lanka, while cassia cinnamon comes from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

How it’s used: A quintessential fall spice, cinnamon adds warmth to baked goods, oatmeal, cider, and savory dishes like Moroccan tagines. It’s also a favorite for steeping in teas.

Taste profile: Sweet and woody with hints of citrus and clove.

Fun fact: Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in embalming rituals, considering it more precious than gold.

For a supplement option, Puritan’s Pride® offers Cinnamon 500 mg, which includes beneficial antioxidant properties.* Cinnamon also helps maintain blood sugar levels that are already within a normal range and can help with sugar metabolism.*

3. Fenugreek

Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean region and South Asia, fenugreek is now widely cultivated in India, Egypt, and Morocco.

How it’s used: Fenugreek seeds, with their nutty, slightly bitter flavor, are a key ingredient in Indian curries and spice blends like garam masala. The seeds can be toasted to mellow their bitterness and add depth to dishes.

Taste profile: Earthy and bittersweet, with a hint of maple.

Fun fact: Fenugreek’s name comes from the Latin “foenum-graecum,” meaning “Greek hay,” a nod to its historical use as animal fodder.

As a supplement, explore Fenugreek 610 mg for a natural whole herb option.

4. Maca

Where it grows: Maca is native to the high-altitude Andes mountains of Peru, thriving in harsh, nutrient-poor soils.

How it’s used: While its nutty, earthy powder is often added to smoothies and baked goods, maca root has been a dietary staple in Peruvian cuisine for centuries.

Taste profile: Mildly sweet with a nutty, caramel-like flavor.

Fun fact: Maca is sometimes called “Peruvian ginseng” due to its historical use in traditional practices.

Puritan’s Pride offers Maca 1000 mg capsules, an exotic herb for men, sourced from this ancient Andean herb.

5. Oregano

Where it grows: A Mediterranean native, oregano is cultivated worldwide, with Greece, Italy, and Turkey being leading producers.

How it’s used: Oregano’s bold, herbaceous flavor pairs well with tomato-based dishes, meats, and roasted vegetables. It’s also a classic seasoning in pizza and pasta sauces.

Taste profile: Pungent, slightly bitter, and peppery.

Fun fact: The name oregano comes from the Greek words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy), meaning “mountain joy.”

For a convenient way to enjoy this herb, try Oil of Oregano 150 mg in softgel form. Oil of Oregano has been held in high regard for its holistic qualities. 

Bring herbs into your routine

Whether you’re infusing recipes with the aromatic warmth of these herbs or exploring their supplement forms, they offer versatile ways to celebrate the changing seasons.

Add a pinch of flavor and history to your meals—and a touch of tradition to your health routine.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.