Herbes de Provence is a mixture of dried herbs typical of Provence. Formerly simply a descriptive term referring to herbs typical of Provence, in the 1970s, commercial blends started to be sold under this name. These mixtures typically contain savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano and, for the American market, lavender leaves, and other herbs, though lavender was not used in traditional southern French cooking.
As the name "Herbes de Provence" is generic, and not a Protected Geographical Status, there is no guarantee that Herbes de Provence in fact come from Provence; indeed, the vast majority of these blends come from central and eastern Europe, North Africa, and China.
Herbes de Provence are used to flavour grilled foods such as fish and meat, as well as vegetable stews. The mixture can be added to foods before or during cooking or mixed with cooking oil prior to cooking so as to infuse the flavour into the cooked food. They are rarely added after cooking is complete.
Herbes de Provence are often sold in larger bags than other herbs, and the price in Provence is considerably lower than other herbs.
Provençal cuisine has traditionally used many herbs, which were often characterized collectively as "herbes de Provence", but not in standard combinations, and not sold as a mixture: ...the famous mixtures of herbes de Provence... were unknown tomy Provençal grandmothers, who used, individually and with discernment, thyme,rosemary and savory gathered in the countryside.
It was in the 1970s that standard mixtures were formulated by spice wholesalers, including notably Ducros in France.
Herbes de provence may help fight inflammation, bacteria and viruses as its basil component possess these properties.
Herbes de provence may aid in easing bronchitis, sore throat and other congestive ailments due to its thyme component.
Herbes de provence may help fight stomach upsets and improve digestion as its bay leaf component is known to help in these.
Herbes de provence may help soothe the intestinal tract due to the carminative properties of its fennel component.
Herbes de provence containing mint may help ease congestion problems.
Herbes de provence containing lavender flowers may help in relaxation & fighting anxiety and nervousness.
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