Herbs - chop or Rip?

[elizabethw]

Should herbs be chopped or ripped in order to produce the best flavour? and why? thanks

[chijiki]

I believe that it is a matter of personal choice that depends on the dish that you are preparing. Finely chopped herbs will blend into dishes more easily. If you are going to chop then you should ensure that you use a sharp instrument or you will bruise and discolour the herbs. My own preference is to tear herbs in most instances. Flavour is not affected by either method.

[woofgang]

tear leafy, chop woody works for me

[drochit]

It does all depend on what you are using them for. I use herbs for medicinal purposes and always crush them using a pestle and mortar. Some of those that I use in this way are Jacob Cline Bee Balm (Monarda Didyma), Jacobs Chariot (Aconitum Napellus), Jacobs Ladder (Polemonium Caeruleum), and Jacobs Staff (Verbascum Thapsus).