The Coolest Herb!!!!

We went to Garden Market yesterday to get some herbs for planting. I came across something called a curry plant, which smells remarkably like, you guessed it, curry!!! It's official name is Heilchrysum Augustifolium. I'm thinking it would make a lovely blend, puree, marinade, etc. for fish or chicken, because it seems light, but still with a distinct curry flavor. My husband isn't sure if we're supposed to eat it, though. The tag that came with it suggested that the essential oils is what is extracted from it, and after a little research on the web, I'm not getting a clear answer as to whether or not you can use the herb itself. Anyone have any experience with it? I didn't even know something like this existed, and am so excited about it! I really smells (and tastes - I tasted it, and I'm not dead) like curry!!!!

I found this info on a plant specialist web site

With Curry Plant the million dollar question is, "What does it taste like?" Why do you think we gave you the medicinal value first? While not very tasty, Curry Plant smells strongly like Curry spices. But, Curry Plant is not where Curry Seasoning comes from. Curry is actually a blend of many different herbs. The herbs used in real Curry vary from region to region. When Curry Plant is mentioned with food, it is always used sparingly, a few leaves in a mayonnaise or a sprig tucked in a cavity of a chicken. The flavor is not Curry but is strong. It is also difficult to describe. However, trimming Curry Plant in the garden will leave you pleasantly reeking like an Indian restaurant the rest of the day.

I found this info on a plant specialist web site

With Curry Plant the million dollar question is, "What does it taste like?" Why do you think we gave you the medicinal value first? While not very tasty, Curry Plant smells strongly like Curry spices. But, Curry Plant is not where Curry Seasoning comes from. Curry is actually a blend of many different herbs. The herbs used in real Curry vary from region to region. When Curry Plant is mentioned with food, it is always used sparingly, a few leaves in a mayonnaise or a sprig tucked in a cavity of a chicken. The flavor is not Curry but is strong. It is also difficult to describe. However, trimming Curry Plant in the garden will leave you pleasantly reeking like an Indian restaurant the rest of the day.

Thanks, Bob! I'm very familiar with curry, and the fact that it's a blend of spices, but this plant smells so much like curry, that I thought it might be a neat to add to certain recipes. From the info you sent, coupled w/what I found on the inet, it sounds like it's not really an herb to eat. I may still try a few things, but that's disappointing. But I still have my great curry blends from the Indian store! Think we'll just try again for DakShin, or I might just make my chicken curry this week.

We went to Garden Market yesterday to get some herbs for planting. I came across something called a curry plant, which smells remarkably like, you guessed it, curry!!! It's official name is Heilchrysum Augustifolium. I'm thinking it would make a lovely blend, puree, marinade, etc. for fish or chicken, because it seems light, but still with a distinct curry flavor. My husband isn't sure if we're supposed to eat it, though. The tag that came with it suggested that the essential oils is what is extracted from it, and after a little research on the web, I'm not getting a clear answer as to whether or not you can use the herb itself. Anyone have any experience with it? I didn't even know something like this existed, and am so excited about it! I really smells (and tastes - I tasted it, and I'm not dead) like curry!!!!

....bet my herb goes better in brownies

....bet my herb goes better in brownies

LOL! Bet you're right!