Let’s discuss herbs:
But first listen to this canticle and discuss the four herbs used in the song.
Questions:
- What are the four herbs used in the lyrics of the song?
- What are those herbs in your own language?
- Do you like cooking?
- Do you use herbs in your cooking?
- What is the most common herb used in your traditional national cooking?
1. Basil: Found in warm climates, basil is commonly grown in herb gardens, pots, and markets worldwide. It is essential in Italian cuisine, especially in pesto and tomato sauces, providing a sweet aroma and flavour. Health-wise, basil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may boost immunity.
*Grammar question:* What is the subject of the sentence “Basil is essential in Italian cuisine”?
*Portuguese name:* Manjericão
2. Mint: Found in garden beds, wild areas, and grocery stores, mint thrives in moist, sunny locations. It is used to flavour teas, desserts, and salads and with lamb offering a refreshing taste. Mint also supports digestion and can help relieve headaches.
*Grammar question:*
*Portuguese name:* Hortelã
3. Rosemary: Grows in well-drained soil, often on sunny windowsills or in herb gardens. Rosemary enhances roasted meats and vegetables, adding a fragrant, pine-like flavour. It is believed to improve memory and concentration.
*Grammar question:* What is the function of the word “often” in the sentence?
*Portuguese name:* Alecrim
4. Thyme: Found in gardens, wild fields, and markets. Thyme is used in soups, stews, and marinades, providing an earthy, slightly minty flavour. It has antibacterial qualities and can support respiratory health.
*Grammar question:* What part of speech is “earthy” in the sentence?
*Portuguese name:* Tomilho
5. Parsley: Grows in temperate climates, available in grocery stores and home gardens. Parsley is used as a garnish and in salads and with fish like salmon, tuna or white fish, rich in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health.
*Grammar question:* What is the plural form of “parsley” in this context?
*Portuguese name:* Salsa
6. Oregano: Found in Mediterranean regions, grown in herb gardens and markets. Oregano is used in pizza and pasta sauces for a bold flavour and has antimicrobial properties.
*Grammar question:* What is the tense of the verb “is used” in the sentence?
*Portuguese name:* Orégano
7. Dill: Grows near water sources and in herb gardens, especially in temperate zones. Dill is used in pickles, salads, and fish dishes, offering a fresh, slightly tangy flavour. It also aids digestion and relieves indigestion.
*Grammar question:* Identify the prepositional phrase in the sentence.
*Portuguese name:* Endro
8. Sage: Found in well-drained, sunny gardens and wild areas. Sage is used in stuffings and sauces, with medicinal uses such as soothing sore throats and improving memory.
*Grammar question:* What is the function of “such as” in the sentence?
*Portuguese name:* Sálvia
9. Cilantro (Coriander) : Grows in warm climates, available in markets and home gardens. Cilantro is used in Mexican and Asian cuisines, providing a fresh, citrusy flavour, and may aid digestion and detoxification.
*Grammar question:* What part of speech is “and” in the list of uses?
*Portuguese name:* Coentro
10. Chives: Found in garden plots and herb beds worldwide. Chives are used as a garnish on soups, salads, and baked potatoes, offering a mild onion flavour. They contain antioxidants and may support heart health.
*Grammar question:* What is the main verb in “Chives are used as a garnish”?
*Portuguese name:* Ciboullette
Answers:
7). The prepositional phrase in the sentence is “near water sources and in herb gardens, especially in temperate zones” because it begins with the prepositions “near” and “in,” which show the relationship between the subject “Dill” and its location, providing additional information about where dill grows.
9). In the list of uses, “and” is a coordinating conjunction because it connects two or more similar parts of speech—in this case, “pickles,” “salads,” and “fish dishes”—to show that these items are included together in the list.