Spade Shaped Herbs

Fish Mint

• Fish mint is a bright green herb characterized by a slightly sour and fish-like flavor. Fish mint is most often found in Vietnamese cuisine. Another name for the spade-shaped herb is Rau Diep Ca. Vietnamese herbs are typically served fresh and raw on a separate plate from the main dishes. Entire sprigs of herbs like fish mint are arranged with lettuce, cucumbers and other garnishes. People eating at a Vietnamese table can pick leaves to add to their meals.

Oregano

• Oregano is an herb that is a popular choice for Mediterranean-style dishes. The herb's spade-shaped leaves are dark green, fuzzy and attached to square stems. Oregano has a strong and spicy flavor. Purchase it either fresh or dried. Herb gardeners appreciate this perennial herb's ability to grow easily in most climates. Use oregano as both a flavoring and a garnish. It is often mistaken for marjoram, an herb that is recognizable by its oval-shaped leaves.

Sweet Basil

• Basil is a common kitchen herb used in a variety of dishes. There are multiple types of basil. Sweet basil is known for its delicate spade-shaped leaves. It has a light and sweet flavor that is similar to licorice. The versatile taste of sweet basil makes the herb appropriate for use in desserts as well as other dishes. Its soft green color and unique taste differentiates it from other types of basil.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm belongs to the mint family. It is recognizable by its spade-shaped leaves that are present on the plant year round. These leaves release a pleasing lemon-like scent whenever they are touched or disturbed. Gardeners value the plant for its ability to attract bees to pollinate other plants. Lemon balm leaves are harvested for salads, teas, marinades, vinegar mixes and cooking dishes.