Essential Kitchen Tools for the Herbal Home Cook

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A practical collection of tools for preparing, preserving, and enjoying culinary herbs.

Working with fresh and dried herbs can be one of the most enjoyable parts of cooking.

The aroma of freshly chopped basil, the fragrance of crushed rosemary, and the simple pleasure of preparing ingredients by hand can make ordinary meals feel special.

You don't need a kitchen filled with specialized equipment to begin.

A small collection of useful tools can help you handle culinary herbs with greater ease.

Here are six tools worth considering.

1. A Mortar and Pestle

A mortar and pestle is one of the most recognizable tools associated with traditional kitchens and apothecaries.

In the modern kitchen, it's useful for crushing whole spices, grinding small quantities of dry ingredients, and preparing certain pastes.

Different materials suit different tasks.

Choose a food-safe mortar and pestle and follow its cleaning and seasoning instructions like this one below.

Never use the same equipment for food and non-food substances.

2. A Good Pair of Kitchen Shears

Kitchen shears make harvesting and preparing many culinary herbs convenient.

They can be particularly useful for snipping chives and trimming tender herb stems.

Choose shears that are comfortable to hold and can be cleaned thoroughly.

Keep cutting tools sharp and handle them carefully.

Kitchen shears don’t have to be boring, either. A fun pair, like these owl-design kitchen shears, can add a little personality and woodland charm to your kitchen while still being useful for everyday prep. For the herb lover, 5-blade herb scissors are another handy option, making quick work of snipping fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, parsley, and green onions.

The Fun Pick: Owl Design Kitchen Shears

The Herb Lovers Pick: 5 Blade Herb Scissors

3. A Practical Cutting Board

A stable cutting board provides a suitable surface for chopping herbs.

Wood and food-safe plastic are both common options, each with different care requirements.

Use clean cutting boards and prevent cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat ingredients.

Replace boards that develop deep grooves or damage that prevents effective cleaning.

4. A Fine-Mesh Strainer

A fine-mesh strainer is useful for washing certain ingredients and straining herb-infused cooking liquids.

Choose one made from materials appropriate for food contact.

Clean and dry it thoroughly after use.

5. Measuring Spoons

Herbs can vary considerably in flavor intensity.

Measuring spoons provide a useful starting point when following recipes, particularly when using strongly flavored ingredients.

A matching set can also bring a little order and charm to your kitchen.

Lately, I've been drawn to warm copper accents in the kitchen; they have this cozy, herbalist vibe that I love. I found a set of measuring cups and spoons that feel solid, stack neatly, and come with a little conversion chart. 

6. Food-Safe Storage Containers

Once herbs have been properly dried or purchased from a reputable culinary supplier, suitable storage containers help keep them organized.

Choose clean, dry, food-safe containers with secure lids.

Pretty storage always wins me over, especially when it’s this practical. These jars keep herbs organized, within reach, and beautiful enough to become part of the kitchen itself.

Label the contents clearly and store them in appropriate conditions.

Avoid storing herbs before they're fully dried, as remaining moisture can encourage spoilage.

Do You Need Everything at Once?

Absolutely not.

Start with the tools that solve an actual problem in your kitchen.

If you frequently prepare fresh herbs, kitchen shears might be especially useful.

If you enjoy cooking with whole spices, a mortar and pestle may be a worthwhile addition.

Build your collection around the way you cook rather than purchasing items simply because they look beautiful.

A Kitchen Made for Creating

Practical tools and thoughtful design can work beautifully together.

A few reliable essentials can help you prepare ingredients, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the everyday process of cooking.

Rooted in nature. Inspired by magic.

Moss & Briar